Chisora says Wardley “finds it” in difficult moments before WBO title defense

Derek Chisora says Fabio Wardley’s mentality sets him apart ahead of his WBO heavyweight title defense. Wardley faces Daniel Dubois on Saturday in Manchester.

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Chisora said Wardley has a different mentality from most heavyweights he has been around.

“You know when people have a screw loose, he’s got one,” Chisora said to Sun Sport and DAZN Boxing about Wardley.

Chisora explained that he noticed it years ago when Wardley was traveling between gyms, sparring experienced heavyweights while learning on the job.

“He sparred everybody just to learn the game and just toughen it out,” Chisora said. “He was always there to help others, but at the same time, when he’s helping you, he’s helping himself.”

Wardley won the WBO heavyweight title after stopping Joseph Parker and now makes his first defense against former IBF champion Dubois in Manchester.

Despite Dubois’ power and experience, Chisora believes Wardley’s mentality makes him dangerous even when fights appear to be slipping away from him.

“When you think he’s going to be down and out, that’s when you’ve got to really switch on,” Chisora said. “He just finds it from somewhere.”

Chisora pointed to Wardley’s wins over Parker, Nathan Gorman, and Justis Huni as examples of him surviving difficult moments before turning fights around.

“It’s like a spiritual thing,” Chisora said. “He believes that every hard fight, he still comes out a winner.”

Chisora declined to officially predict the winner because of his relationships with both camps, but admitted Wardley’s belief continues to change opinions around him.

“Wardy’s got something in him,” Chisora said. “Trust me, he’s got something in him.”