Daniel Dubois suffered two early knockdowns in his heavyweight title clash with Fabio Wardley, yet still managed to secure a stunning victory.
Matt McNulty / Getty Images
Daniel Dubois called himself a “warrior” after shattering Fabio Wardley’s ambition to face Oleksandr Usyk, seizing the WBO heavyweight belt in a thrilling contest destined for fight-of-the-year honors.
The bout may soon have a sequel, as promoter Frank Warren revealed immediately afterward that the contract includes a rematch clause.
Dubois, 28, secured a stoppage in the 11th round of a brutal, bloody battle that kept the electrified crowd at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on its feet throughout.
The Londoner rose from the canvas twice—first in the opening round after absorbing the fight’s initial big punch, then again in the third—before regaining his composure and systematically breaking down the defending champion in impressive fashion.
Wardley, 31, entered the bout unbeaten in 21 contests and showed remarkable courage, weathering numerous assaults from Dubois (23-3) without ever hitting the deck.
However, the Ipswich fighter’s right eye was nearly swollen shut, and blood streamed from his bruised nose when a thunderous right hand in the 11th forced referee Howard Foster to intervene.
Warren confirmed that Wardley will have the opportunity for immediate revenge should he choose to exercise the rematch clause.
Daniel Dubois is knocked down by Fabio Wardley during their WBO heavyweight title fight at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. (Matt McNulty / Getty Images)
Dubois joins the elite ranks of two-time world heavyweight champions. He entered this fight following a loss to Usyk last summer, where he surrendered the IBF belt.
Usyk previously held the WBO title but vacated it to pursue more lucrative opportunities rather than facing Wardley. Now the belt belongs to Dubois.
“It was a war,” Dubois told DAZN. “Thank you, Fabio, for that. It silences the doubters—I have plenty of heart. I’m a warrior. The first knockdown was just a flash knockdown; I bounced back and came harder. I’m a warrior. What a great fight. I’m No. 1 again. It was an honor to share the ring with Fabio.”
**Analysis: Dubois rises to the occasion**
Throughout his career, doubts about Dubois’ resilience have lingered—from his first defeat to Joe Joyce and even after two losses to the sensational Usyk.
This night silenced those critics. Dubois could have crumbled after being floored in the first and third rounds. Yet, when he went down in the third, he showed remarkable composure, stepping back and nearly taking a knee to prevent Wardley from finishing him off.
Dubois soon seized control, relentlessly pressing forward with crisp one-two combinations that repeatedly rocked Wardley (20-1-1).
The former champion displayed extraordinary bravery. His facial injuries were severe, and the referee twice called the ringside doctor to examine him, but Wardley never sought an easy way out.
Daniel Dubois, left, punches Fabio Wardley during their WBO heavyweight title fight at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. (Matt McNulty / Getty Images)
Dubois stalked Wardley as if he were prey, but the risk of Wardley firing back was ever-present, and he did so often.
Both fighters tired as the bout wore on, but Dubois consistently seemed to have more in reserve when they exchanged blows, coming off better in the trades.
Dubois hurt Wardley with multiple big rights, yet the Ipswich fighter somehow found the strength to remain upright and counterpunch as the referee appeared ready to step in. Foster could have stopped the fight earlier, and perhaps Wardley’s corner should have intervened.
