In a recent development, Ben Davison, Fabio Wardley’s co-trainer, has addressed criticisms on social media for not intervening during a match against Daniel Dubois. Concerns arose as Wardley faced a series of powerful punches from Dubois, prompting astonishment from boxing enthusiasts over the trainer’s decision not to stop the fight.
Davison acknowledged that the match could have been halted earlier but clarified that he did not witness Wardley struggling to approach the doctor. He highlighted Wardley’s resilience in responding to Dubois’ aggressive attacks in the 10th and 11th rounds. Despite Dubois ultimately triumphing in the 11th round after recovering from two knockdowns earlier in the bout, Davison’s handling of the situation drew criticism from fans who felt Wardley was left exposed to potential harm.
Fans expressed disappointment in Davison for not taking action sooner, as Dubois appeared poised to deliver a significant, potentially career-altering blow to Wardley. Some criticized Davison for what they perceived as a failure to protect Wardley adequately during the match.
Davison, known for his strategic timing in previous fights, faced backlash for his handling of the Wardley-Dubois showdown. However, in a statement posted on his Instagram page, Davison commended both fighters for their performance in what he described as a remarkable battle. He acknowledged that the fight could have been stopped earlier but emphasized the challenges of determining the right moment to intervene when a responsive fighter is still actively engaging.
Reflecting on past situations where his decision-making regarding throwing in the towel received both praise and criticism, Davison underscored the complexities of such judgments in the heat of a match. Despite differing opinions among fans, Davison supported referee Howard Foster’s decision to stop the fight when he did.
Davison also highlighted Wardley’s remarkable journey from novice fights to becoming a heavyweight champion, emphasizing the difficulty of guiding a fighter against top-tier opponents. He urged recognition of Wardley’s accomplishments and the unique challenges faced by both Wardley and his coaching team in navigating the competitive world of professional boxing.