The undercard of Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou has an interesting looking undercard fight, in the form of Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye for the British heavyweight title. We’ve taken a look and given you our betting predictions.
In the circus of the main event, there is a fine-looking sub-plot on the undercard in the form of a British heavyweight title fight.
Two unbeaten fighters square off, as the reigning champ Fabio Wardley (16-0(15ko)), defends his title against up-and-coming David Adeleye (12-0(11ko)), in a fight that has the potential to steal the show as fight of the night.
What already looked like an intriguing contest became a real grudge match, after the two men broke out into a brawl on the red-carpet fight launch just over a month ago.
Both men have since thrown verbal barbs and this one looks to have some real spite behind it. But who will be holding their hand up victorious on the night?
Where and when is the fight taking place?
The fight is taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday 28th October and is expected to be held at the Dirayah Arena, which was also the location for Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz and Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury. The fight will be broadcast live and exclusively on TNT Sport Box Office in the UK, with a price of £21.99.
The event is a Frank Warren/Bob Arum co-promotion for Queensbury Boxing/Top Rank, with the show expected to start at 6pm and the ring walk due to take place at around 9pm UK time.
What does the full fight card look like?
- MAIN EVENT: Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou
- Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye
- Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean
- Arslanbek Makhmudov v Junior Anthony Wright
- Moses Itauma vs Istvan Bernath
- Carlos Takam vs Martin Bakole
- Jack McGann v Alcibiade Duran Galvan
(subject to change)
What are the fight odds?
Betfred have the champion Wardley as a big 1/3 favourite, with the challenger Adeleye a live 9/4 shot to pull off the shock. The draw is priced at 20/1.
What’s been said?
“I know I’m a level above him, I’m tried and tested, I’ve been there and done it, big stages, big fights.
It’s fine to talk about it, but on the night in the big situations that matter, I’ve always proven I can.
I question whether he has what it takes to come through the same adversity in a fight.
I don’t see this going more than six, I’m gonna set the pace and stick it on him early.”
Fabio Wardley
“Yes he’s got a better resume but he’s never fought me. What happens if I do beat him?
We were meant to spar but he pulled out on the day. I’m gonna stop him, he doesn’t even have the engine to go six rounds, he gasses after a few.
He’s got a big head but it’s kind of empty in there, He’s got shaky legs, what’s gonna happen to him when I do that to him?”
David Adeleye
Wardley to win by KO/TKO – 8/11
When I write these fight previews, I generally have a good idea who I think is going to win and given the 1/3 odds on Wardley to win, this seems like an easy bet to select.
However, I watched a lot of highlights and fight action for this one and I was severely tempted to go for Adeleye. The Londoner is very heavy-handed, has good technique and the champion has shown several times before that he can be hurt.
Both Eric Molina and Nathan Gorman wobbled the Ipswich native badly and if Adeleye does land here it could be lights out for Wardley.
That said, Adeleye has fought nobody and this is a massive step up in levels for him. To Fabio’s credit, when he was hurt against both Molina and Gorman, he quickly realised he needed to step up and bite down on his gumshield and he quickly finished both fights.
I think this one will be a real barn-burner and expect both men to hit the canvas or at least be wobbled. I just think Wardley has too much ring smarts, experience and is more of a cerebral fighter to get through this one undefeated. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Wardley to win in rounds 4-6 – 7/2
Doubling-down on my previous pick and looking at Wardley’s previous fights, the 28-year-old has never been past six rounds and his fight usually end in the first three stanza’s.
We haven’t seen Adeleye’s chin tested though and he is undefeated, which makes him a harder man to stop and combining all those things has made me think it will end between rounds four and six.
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