Daniel Dubois’ next fight set as Fabio Wardley makes rematch decision after defeat
Last week, Dubois climbed off the canvas twice to stop Wardley in round 11 of an instant classic
Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are seemingly set for an immediate rematch, with the latter activating a contract clause to face his fellow Briton again. Last Saturday, Dubois climbed off the canvas twice to stop Wardley in round 11 of an instant classic, taking the WBO heavyweight title from the 31-year-old in the process. Dubois, 28, was floored in rounds one and three but somehow battled back to break down Wardley in Manchester, handing the Ipswich boxer his first professional loss.
Daniel Dubois (left) took the WBO heavyweight title from Fabio Wardley (Getty) In the aftermath, Frank Warren – who promotes both men – revealed that Wardley had a rematch clause. And now, Wardley has told Sky Sports that he will activate that clause to face Dubois again. “The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved that without a shred of doubt,” Wardley said.
“It was a fight for the ages, but I made some mistakes that I will rectify in the rematch. Congratulations to Daniel, but I’m coming for you… and my belt! ” It is unclear when the rematch will take place, but it will likely be scheduled for late 2026.
In Saturday’s clash at the Co-op Live arena, Dubois sustained damage around his left eye, while he aggravated Wardley’s pre-existing nose injury and cut him around his right eye . There was to be no late escape for Wardley, who had won his previous two fights while trailing on the scorecards. Against Justis Huni last June, Wardley produced a 10th-round knockout, before stopping Joseph Parker in round 11 in October.