Wardley vs Dubois: How new heavyweight champion silenced his critics

Heavyweights are under a uniquely harsh spotlight, and Dubois has received more than his share of scrutiny. One defeat to Joe Joyce and two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk have shaped much of the public perception around him, as have persistent questions about his discipline.

These doubts now feel grossly outdated. At 28 years old, Dubois is already a two-time heavyweight world champion; He was younger than Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury achieved the same feat.

The contrast between the two men was stark throughout fight week.

Wardley carried himself with the ease of a man born for the camera. Outspoken, witty and laid-back, the man from Ipswich was spotted strolling around Manchester city centre. Meanwhile, Dubois withdrew from two interviews.

At one, he became visibly angry when Joyce’s defeat was brought up. In another, he appeared annoyed by what he felt was a mockery of his “rapid-fire” questioning.

It raises a broader question about double standards; Would Joshua or Fury have been so heavily criticized if they had chosen not to engage with pre-fight promotional content?

When Dubois responds awkwardly or offers short answers, he is often ridiculed online. But boxing is the only world Dubois knows.

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

Interestingly, moments after the biggest win of his career, Dubois appeared to have changed.

He spoke calmly, clearly and with genuine warmth in the post-fight interview. He paid tribute to Wardley and repaid his opponent for the punishment he received.

The cautious, restless figure seen earlier in the week was gone; Dubois looked completely comfortable in his own skin.