Daniel Dubois would not to be drawn into a war of words after weighing in at a career-heavy 18st (115kg) for Saturday’s all-British heavyweight world-title fight against Fabio Wardley.

Wardley, who came in at 17st 4lb (110kg), will make the first defence of his WBO title at Manchester’s Co-op Live in a mouthwatering contest between two dangerous knockout artists.

The pair weighed in at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre before coming face-to-face in what organisers branded ‘The Cauldron’ – a circular, illuminated stage designed to intensify one final staredown in front of a live audience.

“I’m going to put him to sleep tomorrow,” said Dubois, 28, although – as he has throughout fight week – offered little beyond brief answers.

Dubois – twitching his shoulders, stretching his neck and constantly fidgeting – insisted the “talking was done”, while Wardley rolled his eyes and smiled beside him.

The 31-year-old Ipswich fighter then took aim at Dubois’ previous defeats by Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk.

“He does vary but some performances he’s done well,” Wardley said.

“He didn’t do well against Usyk. Once you’ve opened that door and shown that bit of your character, it leaves people like me to expose it.”

Cries of “Oh Fabio Wardley” rang around the venue from several hundred supporters – most backing the champion – as Wardley raised his arms and urged them to increase the volume during an otherwise uneventful face-off.