British heavyweight Fabio Wardley fired a jab at challenger Daniel Dubois, calling him a “bin‑man” during a press tour. Dubois answered with a simple promise to make the champion “pay for the disrespect” and insisted he’s “very focused, very dialled in.” The exchange has added heat to Saturday’s title clash at the O2. The fight, billed as Britain’s next heavyweight king, carries a £2 million purse.

Wardley’s camp, led by manager Mike Ofo, defended the barb as harmless banter, while Dubois’ promoter Sam Jones retorted on stage, turning the rivalry into a showdown of personalities as much as power. Wardley, confident in his knockout ratio, claimed he finishes 95 % of opponents and vowed to “clear him out” with clean, sharp shots. Both camps expect a tactical battle inside the ring.

Both fighters have faced criticism for mental lapses after losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, yet each points to recent resurgence as proof of durability. With the belt on the line, Dubois insists he will win “by any means necessary,” while Wardley predicts a knockout. Saturday will decide which narrative prevails.