Team Wardley condemn Dubois tactics, call for 'strong referee' in rematch

Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley in a thrilling WBO heavyweight title clash in May; ahead of Saturday’s rematch Wardley’s team have raised concerns about Dubois’ tactics in that first fight and called for stronger officiating in the return bout at The O2

Fabio Wardley’s team have raised fresh concerns about Daniel Dubois’ tactics in their first fight and called for a "stronger referee" in Saturday’s rematch.

Dubois rose from the canvas twice to claim a stoppage victory in a tremendous battle with Wardley and win the WBO heavyweight championship in May.

In the aftermath of the first fight, Wardley's team expressed their disappointment about the officiating of referee Howard Foster and manager Michael Ofo has voiced further questions about Dubois' approach.

"We're calling for a stronger referee, because it's needed," Ofo told Sky Sports . "We don't want it to be spoiled by having the same antics that were displayed in the first fight."

"The MMA rugby tackle. He said in a few interviews he wasn't hurt, he just took the knee. Why would you just take the knee and stop the flow of the action?"

Taking a knee is permissible but Ofo said: "There should be a punishment if you're not hurt and you take a knee.

"He got the victory but there was a lot of dirty Dan on display," Ofo added. "Fabio's a nice guy and he doesn't say it but it's our job to put the wrongs right."

Dubois' trainer Don Charles told Sky Sports : "I struggle to find out what he means… It's a fight.

"That's a very top, A-class referee. I'm sure he would have picked up if Daniel was fouling."

When asked what he put the opposing camp's claims down to, Charles said: "Insecurity and weakness".

"You want to clutch at whatever you're going to clutch at. It's too late."

Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, assured: "The referee will look after both of them fairly."

Wardley is going into the rematch only five months after a punishing first fight. "I'm sure they're not foolish, they would have consulted a medical expert to get some form of clearance that he's fit to fight," Dubois' trainer Charles said.