Fabio Wardley leaps to Ben Davison’s defence after coach comes under fire for Moses Itauma’s defeat to Filip Hrgovic

FABIO WARDLEY wants a rematch win over Daniel Dubois to help shield underfire trainer Ben Davison. Three months ago the respected Harlow coach was accused of leaving Wardley in the brutal 11th round stoppage loss too long. Trainer Ben Davison came under fire after Moses Itauma’s loss to Filip Hrgovic Credit: Getty Trainer Rob Hodgins, left, with Wardley and Davison Credit: Getty And he has faced pelters for 21-year-old Moses Itauma’s preparation and gameplan since Saturday night with even Anthony Joshua “liking” a critical social media post. In the shock loss to Filip Hrgovic, the super-talent’s engine collapsed and he suffered plenty of punishment before the ref jumped in. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! But Wardley – who was a big part of Davison being named the BBBofC Trainer of 2025 – has whacked back at the heavy criticism from throughout the industry. He explained: “It’s my turn to do my bit for the gym. I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of criticism he’s received, almost in shock. “I don’t know another trainer in British boxing that gets so much stick after a loss. I find it bemusing. If anything, it’s added a bit of fuel to me “I’ll show you what us, the team, Ben Davison, what we can all do. I’ll prove it to you. I’ll take that on my shoulders. I’ll wear that, no problem.” With minimal boxing experience – as a fighter or coach – Davison started with southpaw superstar and pal Billy Joe Saunders. He rightly earned huge praise and credit for then rebuilding Tyson Fury from a 28st outcast to a world title challenger. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Home of Boxing in 2026 There's a massive year of boxing ahead! It has already been a blockbuster year inside the ring, and it is not going to stop anytime soon! All eyes are focused on when Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will get in the ring, with the pair due to finally settle their decade-long rivalry. Katie Taylor calls time on her illustrious career this weekend at Croke Park as she faces Flora Pili, with the chance to become a three-time undisputed champion. Conor Benn fights for his first world title one week later against Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas – it is The Destroyer’s second bout for Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. October’s action doesn’t stop either, with Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois facing off in the rematch of their thrilling fight in May, while Canelo Alvarez returns against Christian Mbili on Halloween. Here’s all the big fights coming up… September Sat 5 – Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili – DAZN Sat 12 – Conor Benn vs Ryan Garcia – DAZN Sep 12 – Jai Opetaia vs Noel Mikaelian Sat 19 – Isaac Cruz vs Nestor Bravo – DAZN October Sat 3 – Ben Whittaker vs Conor Wallace – DAZN Sat 17 – Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 – DAZN Sat 31 – Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbili – DAZN *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue. He’s also won world titles with ready-made stars like Leigh Wood and Josh Taylor but he is yet to really mould a champion of his own. But Wardley remains rooted to his corner and counterpunching on his behalf. The 31-year-old former office worker said: “He’s taught me so much about boxing. I came into it very fresh. I came into it literally just throwing hands. “But there are so many different details and nuances that I’ve learned and picked up over the years. “And if you look at my fights, I have applied them. If you go back and look at me pre-Ben and look at me post-Ben, you can see the stark differences. “In football terms, it’s his man management, knowing the guy in front of you and knowing his strengths and weaknesses. “I’m not the best boxer in the world. I’m not Oleksandr Usyk. “But I do have athletic power and a bunch of other advantages that we know how to double down on and use. “And that’s where good man management and a good team comes into play.” Comment now