Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) will be making the first defence of his belt when the two meet in a potentially explosive clash at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena. The fight will be streamed globally by DAZN.

Dubois hasn't boxed since losing his IBF belt to The Ring and unified champion Oleksandr Usyk during their July rematch but remains determined to produce a career-reviving win.

"We sparred in the beginning of my career, back in those early days," Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) said during an interview with Queensberry.

"We've done a few rounds and I'm sure he's come on since then. He’s been lucky so far but I'm looking to take his 0 and take that belt."

Apart from stating his belief that he came out on top, Dubois - The Ring's No. 4-rated heavyweight - chose not to elaborate on what went on during those days when both were setting out on wildly different journeys to the top of the heavyweight division.

"Oh yeah, mostly everyone [I've sparred]," the 28-year-old said.

"But just moving on from that, this is boxing. I'm glad I've met all the faces that I'm going to be fighting already in the future. It's time to show my pedigree and what I've learned in all these years."

Dubois started boxing aged seven and spent time as part of the Team GB set up. Given Wardley began his transition from white collar fighter to professional at the time, it would be a surprise if Dubois didn't control the action.

Wardley - The Ring's No. 1 ranked heavyweight - would certainly take issue with Dubois' statement about him being lucky, however.

The 31-year-old from Ipswich has survived some heart-stopping moments and scored some dramatic finishes on his rise through the ranks but has forced his way to the top through hard work, determination and the willingness to take risks.

"Oh, he's definitely been lucky," Dubois said. "He's been working hard. All credit to him, I take nothing away from him. He's produced the goods and come out on top but I'm looking to end that run now, take his 0."