Fabio Wardley will face Daniel Dubois in an all-British world heavyweight title bout on Saturday, May 9th.
WBO champion Wardley successfully defended his belt for the first time against Dubois in a clash of two devastating punchers at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
Wardley was crowned the new WBO champion in November after unified champion Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt without making a mandatory title defense against the Ipswich fighter.
Tyson Fury has admitted he is open to a world title fight with Wardley later this year, but first the undefeated 31-year-old must defeat Dubois.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Fabio Wardley welcomes future fight with Tyson Fury
Wardley said, “I’ve never been in this game to fool around or play small. Just the big fights!”
“I’m the champion, this is a voluntary defense. I chose him.
“One thing you can’t say about me is that I’ve never run away from a challenge. I’ve always chosen the biggest challenge. I’m not afraid of anyone in this division.”
“This is one of the biggest fights going on right now that could happen in the heavyweight division.
“My presence always guarantees an all-action fight, but this time there will be fireworks from the first bell.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Former British and Commonwealth champion David Price believes Wardley is Britain’s No. 1 heavyweight.
Wardley’s manager Mike Ofo said: “This is a big moment. It’s a big all-British fixture and we’re hoping Fabio can break the spirit of Daniel Dubois on May 9.”
“Fabio has never shied away from a challenge and welcomes competition.”
Dubois is aiming to become world champion after ending his reign as IBF titleholder with a knockout loss to Usyk in a rematch at Wembley in July.
Dubois parted ways with trainer Don Charles after his loss in the undisputed world title fight, but he returned to cornerman ahead of his explosive showdown with Wardley.
Since his professional debut, all of Wardley’s wins have been by knockout, and any discussion of a draw with Fraser Clarke was quickly silenced with a dizzying first-round stoppage victory in their October 2024 rematch.
Since then, Wardley has made a name for himself with a dramatic one-punch KO of Justice Houni and an impressive 11-round stoppage of Joseph Parker to win the interim WBO title in October.
Dubois was also in great form before his loss to Usyk last year, defeating Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic and scoring a career-best knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September 2024.
Scott: The fans are looking forward to it.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports’ Andy Scott previews Fabio Wardley’s title defense against Daniel Dubois in Manchester on Saturday, May 9th, and has what fans can look forward to.
Sky Sports boxing expert Andy Scott:
“For the fan in me, when I made a list of the games I most wanted to see earlier this year, this would have been right up there. Fans want an absolute treat.
“Frank Warren said it, ‘Don’t blink.’ I think the promoters got that right. Both fighters have a knockout rate of over 90 percent.”
“They have different boxing styles and contrasting personalities, but the common thread is that they are both terrifying punchers.
“I would be very surprised if this went to 12 rounds.
“This fight is going to divide everyone. You can’t argue that one side is better than the other.
“Fabio Wardley never knows when he’s going to lose. He has no amateur boxing experience, just a few white-collar fights. Imagine signing up for a white-collar charity fight and boxing Fabio Wardley!”
“On the other side of that is Dubois. He was a prodigy. A lot of people thought his fight against Joshua was a dangerous mismatch, but he definitely put up numbers against Joshua that night.”
“Can you seriously say who will win? I don’t think you can.”
