Fabio Wardley coach sends assertion after backlash following brutal Daniel Dubois combat
Fabio Wardley’s co-trainer Ben Davison has issued a statement following the heavyweight bout against Daniel Dubois, after fans questioned the decision not to throw in the towel sooner
Referee Howard Foster stopped Fabio Wardley’s fight with Daniel Dubois.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Fabio Wardley’s co-trainer Ben Davison has turned to social media to release a statement after facing criticism for failing to throw in the towel to shield his fighter from a barrage of punches from Daniel Dubois in the latter stages of the fight.
Boxing enthusiasts were stunned that the trainer didn’t hurl the towel into the ring as Wardley was pummelled with heavy shots from Dubois in the closing stages of the bout.
Davison acknowledged the fight could have been halted earlier, but insisted he didn’t witness Wardley stumble over to the doctor, and claimed the defending champion was responding to Dubois’ assault of punches in the 10th and 11th rounds.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
The 28-year-old Dubois climbed off the canvas twice to halt Wardley in the 11th round, silencing his doubters about his own mental toughness.
Wardley floored Dubois within just 10 seconds, connecting with his opening punch of the contest, which sent shockwaves around the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, before he was dropped again in the third round.
Nevertheless, he bounced back and left Wardley’s face bruised and bloodied, connecting with a massive right hand in the 11th as Howard Foster intervened to halt the fight.
Supporters were astonished that Davison allowed his fighter to remain in the ring for that duration, with it obvious that Dubois was close to delivering a devastating, potentially career-altering strike.
One supporter said: “Ben Davison stopped this fight at the perfect time. Wood [Leigh Wood vs Mauricio Lara] didn’t take too much damage and back to have a solid career after No idea why he didn’t take charge of the corner and pull Wardley out last night. Ridiculous really.”
Another said: “Ben Davison has destroyed Wardley’s career not throwing in the towel 2-3 rounds earlier.”
Meanwhile, a third fan said: “Ben Davison should be ashamed of himself, letting that carry on. You could see the ref was desperate to stop it, he went to the doctor twice. The corner let Wardley down, they’ve shortened his career with that tonight.”
Davison has previously earned acclaim for his impeccable timing when throwing in the towel, enabling Tyson Fury to get back on his feet and knockout Deontay Wilder on an iconic night, while also keeping Leigh Wood in the contest for his triumph over Michael Conlan.
In a statement posted on his Instagram page, Davison said: “On last night, firstly congratulations to Dubois. Two tremendous warriors in a modern day classic.
“We are super proud of Fabio. I actually agree the fight could have been stopped earlier. I did not see Fabio stumble before walking over to the doctor at the start of round 10.
“As ironically, we were discussing with each other to ‘have the towel in hand.’ By which time he had gone over and seen the doctor and seemed much steadier on his legs, which is what we saw.
“It’s such a difficult job to not only find a balance but to striker at the right time to stop a fight like that on a whim when your guy is responsive and firing back.
“I’ve been praised for not towelling Fury (Wilder). I was praised for not towelling Wood (Conlon). I was firstly criticised, then later praised for towelling Wood (Lara).
“Two occasions we looked at it but one, the end of the round came, two Fabio fired back and killed Dubois’ momentum. Again, very difficult in the circumstances of the fighter being responsive and firing back.
“I’ve seen mixed opinions on this one but I agree it COULD have been stopped earlier. However with that said, I think Howard Foster got it band on from his terms.
“Very easy to forget what Fabio has achieved. From four white collard fights to heavyweight champion of the world. Not an easy task to to or for us to help guide against the best in the world. Never been done before, never be done again.”
