This weekend, Fabio Wardley takes on his toughest test yet, as he seeks to validate his world champion status with a win over former heavyweight ruler, Daniel Dubois, in a fascinating fight at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester.

Having been elevated to WBO world champion late last year, this will be Wardley’s first world title fight despite holding the belt, with Dubois out to prove himself to be a level above the Ipswich fan-favourite and, in doing so, become a two-time heavyweight champion.

Here, Tom Eaton looks at some of the best bets ahead of Saturday’s action, picking out one selection for the main event and two for the undercard.

Liam Cameron vs. Brad Rea

Liam Cameron vs. Brad Rea Betting Tips

Liam Cameron to Win by Decision or Technical Decision (10/3 bet365)

Liam Cameron is continuously put into fights by promoters as the man to get beat and spring his opponent into major fights, but time and time again he ruins those plans. In my opinion, he was hard done by in a split-decision defeat to Lyndon Arthur and then could easily have claimed a win over Ben Whittaker in their controversial and well-documented initial encounter.

Last time out, Cameron spoiled the party again, trumping Troy Jones as an underdog at this same venue in November, with Brad Rea losing to Arthur on that same bill. Here, I expect a repeat result for both men.

A horrible style to fight against, Cameron’s unrelenting pressure and refusal to buckle is a nightmare for any domestic light-heavyweight and the way which Rea faded against Arthur causes me to believe that he won’t be able to cope.

At 10/3, a Cameron decision looks a solid bet, with his output and gas tank sure to provide ‘The Sting’ with plenty of problems.

Jack Rafferty vs. Ekow Essuman

Jack Rafferty vs. Ekow Essuman Betting Tips

Jack Rafferty to Win by KO/TKO (8/5 Betfred)

The Jack Rafferty train is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon, with the undefeated Mancunian remaining unbeaten in his 27 fights to date, but now attempting to move on from the domestic level and make an impact on the world stage.

In Essuman, Rafferty has been well matched, a respected opponent who boasts a win over Josh Taylor but also one who, at 37 years old, may be on his way out. Essuman showed exactly why he is called ‘the engine’ in a defeat to Catterall in his most recent showing, but Rafferty offers a similar high-octane style.

Therefore, Rafferty will not retreat down the stretch and will instead be willing to trade with Essuman throughout. A similarly slow start to what Essuman produced against Catterall is sure to be punished by the home fighter, who is also well capable of producing a late stoppage too, making a KO likely for the exciting former British champion.

Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois Boxing Tips

Fabio Wardley to Land More Body Punches (4/7 bet365)

Simply put, Wardley-Dubois is a battle between a strong starter and a strong finisher - which is why the fans are so split - with both men capable of ending the fight at any point, but Dubois more fancied to finish the job early and Wardley the more likely to outlast his opponent.

As a result, the obvious key to victory for Wardley is to tire ‘Triple D’ out by both applying pressure and working the body. In his last three fights, Dubois has scored with a combined 35 body blows (17 vs. Filip Hrgovic, 10 vs. Anthony Joshua & 8 vs. Oleksandr Usyk) in a total of 18 rounds, a relatively low number, albeit against elite opposition.

Meanwhile, Wardley targeted the body to slow the fleet-footed Justis Huni down when they fought last year, landing with 68 body punches before stopping the Aussie in Round 10.

I’m anticipating a similar approach from the WBO champion here, with ruthless work to the body a sure-fire way of ensuring that Dubois is a sitting duck in the second-half.

This selection also gives a chance of a win if Dubois catches Wardley early, so 4/7 with bet365 is a handsome price here, with Dubois no doubt looking for a quick finish and Wardley in it for the long haul.

Boxing Accumulator Tips: Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois

Leg 1: Fabio Wardley to Land More Body Punches (4/7 bet365)
Leg 2: Liam Cameron to Win by Decision or Technical Decision (10/3 bet365)
Leg 3: Jack Rafferty to Win by KO/TKO (8/5 Betfred)

Treble Odds - 16.02/1