Wardley vs Dubois: Daniel Dubois rejects a knockout from world champion Fabio Wardley after the confrontation

Daniel Dubois rejected a fist bump from world champion Fabio Wardley when the pair went head-to-head in a match. Lively press conference in London.

The world title fight between two of Britain’s biggest punchers will take place at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on May 9.

After some long arguments between the two camps, the fighters, who had been relatively restrained until that moment, finally returned to life.

Wardley said he would “level out” the challenger. “My strength has been proven. If there’s time left on the clock, I’ll take you out of the fight,” he added.

The 31-year-old – with 19 stoppages in 20 wins – will make his first defense of his WBO title, having captured the ‘interim’ title against Joseph Parker before being promoted to full champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.

Former IBF champion Dubois, 28, is coming off a devastating knockout loss to generational great Usyk last summer.

“If you look back, when it gets risky, he’s not ready for it,” Wardley said of Dubois, who has faced accusations of giving up too easily in his three stoppage defeats.

Wednesday’s press conference was held at Dutch Hall, a converted 16th-century church located in the heart of the city.

DuBois—never a long soliloquist—kept his answers short and matter-of-fact.

But the Londoner was clear in his intention. “Winning by knockout by any means necessary,” he added.

When the fighters finally advanced for the obligatory confrontation, Dubois looked away first while Wardley smiled.

Moments later, Wardley extended his fist in a gesture of respect, but Dubois shook his head and refused to deal.