Wardley vs Dubois: How new heavyweight champion silenced his critics

Heavyweights exist under a uniquely harsh spotlight and Dubois has absorbed more than his fair share of scrutiny. One defeat by Joe Joyce and two by Oleksandr Usyk shaped much of the public perception around him, as did persistent questions about his discipline.

Those doubts feel badly outdated now. At 28, Dubois is already a two-time heavyweight world champion – younger than both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury were when they achieved the same feat.

Throughout fight week, the contrast between the two men was stark.

Wardley carried himself with the ease of a man born for the camera. Articulate, witty, and relaxed, the Ipswich man was seen strolling through Manchester city centre. Dubois, meanwhile, walked out of two interviews.

In one, he visibly bristled when the Joyce defeat was raised. In another, he appeared irritated by what he felt was mocking “quick-fire” questioning.

It raises a broader question about double standards; would Joshua or Fury be criticised quite so heavily if they chose not to engage with pre-fight promotional content?

When Dubois answers awkwardly or offers clipped responses, he is often ridiculed online. But boxing is virtually the only world Dubois has ever known.

The home-schooled heavyweight has never looked entirely comfortable under the glare of cameras. He is not a natural salesman and has little interest in manufactured theatre.

Interestingly, moments after the biggest win of his career, Dubois appeared transformed.

In the post-fight interview he spoke calmly, clearly and with genuine warmth. He paid tribute to Wardley, and credited his opponent for the punishment he had absorbed.

Gone was the guarded, uneasy figure seen earlier in the week – Dubois looked entirely comfortable in his own skin.