Their first fight was an all-time classic (Image: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry)

THE FIRST FIGHT

Chantry puncher Wardley (20-1-1, 19KO) made the first defence of his WBO world title against fellow big-punching Brit Dubois (23-3, 22KO) at a packed Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester in May.

What unfolded was an all-time classic heavyweight title fight. Wardley dropped Dubois with his trademark overhand right just 15 seconds in, then repeated the trick in the third round, as Dubois took a knee to avoid further punishment.

It looked for all the world like it was going to be Wardley's night. But Dubois showed great character, using his superior fistic schooling to get back into the fight, and then he slowly started breaking the Suffolk man down with some heavy, thudding punches of his own.

The middle rounds were absolute wars, with both men enjoying success, but Dubois started to pull away, with Wardley's face a battered and bloodied mess. The Ipswich man showed incredible heart and bravery, but was stopped on his feet in the 11th round to suffer his first ever defeat.

Wardley has acknowledged that he made mistakes in the first fight (Image: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry)

WHAT WENT WRONG

In the weeks and months since, Wardley has taken full responsibility for the loss, saying he made mistakes. Watching the fight back, he became too reliant on the overhand right after that early success, and neglected his jab - such an effective weapon in his win over Joseph Parker in the fight prior.

Wardley's told me himself that he was a victim of his own success, those early knockdowns leading to a state of overconfidence and him getting right hand happy.

His head coach, Rob Hodgins, told me: "He caught Daniel very early, and he knows he’s catching him – I think anyone in that position, where they feel like they’re having success, they’re just going to use that more.

“He thought he could get Daniel out of there, and fair play to Daniel, he stuck at it and carried on.

“He abandoned the plan a little bit. That early success was the reason for our demise.”

Dubois, left, is the favourite this time (Image: Leigh Dawney Photography/Queensberry)

THE REMATCH

Dubois is the favourite this time, and has been talking confidently, if sparsely, about making much easier work of Fabio. He may be a man of few words, but his educated fists do the talking for him.

I'd expect more of the same from 'Dynamite' here - using his devastating ramrod jab to line up the big right hand, back Wardley up and throw damaging combos. I also think he'll come out more aggressive. Having admitted to being very nervous first time around, he now has the air of someone who thinks this fight is a mere formality.

It's on Wardley to make changes, and I believe he will. I expect him to start fast and use his speed, both with his jab and his feet, to give Dubois a different look. He has to be harder to hit, too, making sure he angles off and doesn't retreat in straight lines.

I also believe the back hand uppercut will be a key punch for Fab in this fight too. Dubois has a habit of ducking down as he engages, and did so even more in the first encounter, leading to Wardley's big right hand sailing harmlessly over his head. The uppercut is the perfect punch in that scenario.

Issiah Hamilton-Allen bids to move to 4-0 on the prelims (Image: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry)

IZZY GETS BUSY

Before we get to my big fight prediction, just a reminder that Wardley isn't the only Suffolk fighter on this bill.

His protégé and fellow Chantry boy Issiah Hamilton-Allen (3-0) is first up on the prelims (around 5pm) in a four-round middleweight bout against 48-fight veteran Jensen Irving.

Hamilton-Allen, a fast, stylish and slick boxer, hasn't put a foot wrong in his pro career so far, and Wardley has backed him to emulate his journey to the top of the sport.

Hodgins, who also coaches Hamilton-Allen, told me: "Four fights in a year, and two on big sell-out shows. You can’t ask for more than that.

“I would like to see him get one more fight this year, if this fight goes well, so he ends the year with five - which is unheard of in the pros now.

“Then if he had three or four next year, you’re looking at eight to nine fights in his first two years of boxing. After that, he can push for a Southern Area title.

“It’s hard to find opponents for him. Ideally he’s a welterweight, but he’s fought at super-welter and even middleweight, so we can pick and choose who we go for and who’s got a title.

“I think it’s going to be a big end to the year for Izzy and then next year we can start knocking on the door and showing people what we’ve got.”     

I think Wardley will win the rematch by early stoppage (Image: PA)

MY BIG FIGHT PREDICTION

Make no mistake, this is a very dangerous fight for Fab, again. Dubois is the biggest puncher in the heavyweight division not named Wardley, and the superior boxer. He's also coming into this rematch full of confidence.

And that's important, because Dubois is a confidence fighter. Wardley must get him doubting himself, and make an impression early. If he can back Daniel up, he's a lot less dangerous.

Both men have predicted an early stoppage - inside four rounds - and if that scenario plays out, it's more likely that Wardley has his hand raised, in my opinion.

Look for Fab to start fast, get the jab going early, disrupt Dubois' shape and show him that big right hand a couple of times.

Then, if Dubois is indeed more aggressive, and continues to duck on entries, he'll walk straight onto an uppercut - and that could either be the end of the fight, or the start of his demise.

Prediction: Fabio Wardley by KO in round 3

Dubois v Wardley is live on DAZN, with ring walks expected around 10.30pm. We'll have live coverage and reaction on our websites.