Fabio Wardley has come to the defense of his coach Ben Davison after a disappointing outcome for fellow boxer Moses Itauma, who recently attempted to become the second-youngest world heavyweight champion. Itauma faced Filip Hrgovic at the O2 Arena in London, where he dominated the early rounds but ultimately succumbed to exhaustion, leading to his corner throwing in the towel in the ninth round.
The 21-year-old Itauma had openly acknowledged prior to the fight that he had never completed a full 12 rounds in sparring sessions. This lack of experience in longer bouts raised concerns about his preparation, especially after he appeared visibly fatigued against Hrgovic, a seasoned competitor. The defeat has sparked significant criticism directed at Davison and the training methods employed at their gym.
Wardley, who is also trained by Davison, has faced similar challenges in his own career. He experienced a setback in his first fight against Daniel Dubois, where he too suffered from fatigue after a strong start. Now, as he prepares for a rematch with Dubois on October 17, he is determined to showcase the capabilities of their training team. Wardley has expressed confidence in Itauma's potential to rebound and achieve future success.
In response to the backlash against Davison, Wardley labeled the criticism as “delusional” and expressed his commitment to proving the value of their training setup. He stated, “I do feel like it’s my turn. It’s my turn to do my bit for the gym. I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of criticism he’s received, and I find it bemusing.”
Wardley highlighted the importance of trust and experience in their training relationships, noting that both he and Itauma have been under Davison's guidance for several years. He emphasized that their corner is not comprised of inexperienced trainers, but rather seasoned professionals who understand their fighters' capabilities and limitations. “These aren’t fresh people that are inexperienced or don’t know me,” Wardley remarked, reinforcing his confidence in the team's approach.
Queensberry Promotions' Frank Warren also defended Davison, acknowledging that the scrutiny faced by trainers in high-profile fights is inevitable. He indicated that there would be discussions regarding fight management strategies following Itauma's performance against Hrgovic. Warren pointed out that Itauma had the advantage on the scorecards but failed to adjust his strategy as the fight progressed, suggesting that a more measured approach could have led to a different outcome.
As the boxing community reflects on this recent setback, both Wardley and Davison remain focused on the future, aiming to turn criticism into motivation. With Wardley's upcoming rematch against Dubois, there is an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their resilience and commitment to excellence in the sport.
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