Wardley activates rematch clause with Dubois

Eh, I think it's pretty obvious what this is.

Wardley realizes he's hit his ceiling. To be fair to him, he's gotten farther than anyone could have dreamed and thanks to the generosity of Usyk was able to be recognized as world HW champ. But it's over. He doesn't have the skills to go any further. So, take the rematch versus Diglett and secure himself another big payday and have it be the last fight of his career. Then he can make the transition into broadcasting because he's an intelligent guy who is good on the mic.

What alternatives does he have? If he were to decline the rematch he'd be getting stuck in versus other guys in and around the Top 10 where he'd still be at a skills disadvantage. He'd be just as likely to lose versus the Bakoles, Millers, etc. of the division while not getting paid anywhere near as much. Best to just jump back in and take the big payday. And this time they'll be looking to stop it in time so he doesn't even have to take another huge beating. Either gets KO'd cold or waved off early. On the extremely small chance he wins, well, then he gets another big payday to lose his belt to Usyk or Itauma or whomever.

 

It wasn't because of Davison. Wardley doesn't have any other skills. It can't be developed by training.

 

"If He (I) Dies... He (I) Dies."
-Fabio Wardley

 

I agree he's technically basic, but could have done more with the limited amount he's got. Could have tried setting up the right with the odd jab or feint. Simply straightening and shortening the right hand would have helped. Any variation rather than doing the same thing, that wasn't working, time and again.

Even making allowance for Wardley's limitations, it was the most inept application of strategy I've ever seen at a world level fight. If ring IQ doesn't come naturally to Fabio, which it clearly doesn't, he needs a trainer who isn't as incompetent as Davidson.

 

Skills can't be developed by training??

 

Was he trained by Davison throughout his entire career? He must have been trained by other coaches too. If he couldn’t improve some of his skills over all these years, then there’s nothing to be done. This can’t be fixed through training.

 

I totally agree this is a huge part of the decision to take the rematch

Ego and pride make up the rest

 

This is complete bollocks

Whilst Wardley is hardly a technical wizard, compared to where he was in his first 10 fights the improvement is significant

He is playing catch up and obviously won't progress to a level where he will ever be considered elite but he will progress with the correct training

 

In sports you can be taught to do a certain action in training. The levels up though are applying that 'in game', then without thinking, maintaining that under severe pressure, and further adapting that action. Teaching this as young as possible, makes it become second nature, as much as possible. It also comes down to the ability to take onboard that information in the first place. That is a vital skill in itself! Usyk is calculating a few moves ahead of everyone he fights, just like Messi in football. They have it all.

Fabio has done extremely well to get where he has, but learning late takes away that 'second nature'. I also think it highlights the heavyweight division's skill level in comparison with others. This story isn't happening much down the weights, is it!

 

But skills are developed in training yes?

 

Again, you're talking about skills (we agree Wardley lacks them at world level), I'm talking about strategic application within the confines of those limitations.

We know Wardley is capable of throwing a straight right hand, he one shotted Huni with one. That he elected not to throw one vs Dubois, in favour of the repeated, telegraphed, long, roundhouse right hooks, time and again, despite Dubois easily evading them for round after round, is an extraordinary example of strategic incompetence, even given his limited skillset.

 

I expected Wardley to activate it.

 

Of course. To amend the old saying... You CAN teach an old dog new tricks, but how well it will execute them, is another matter!

 

Wardley is getting whooped and retired proper.