Fabio Wardley may decide to force an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois after losing his WBO heavyweight title in an epic fight in Manchester.
Dubois was crowned the new WBO champion after coming off the canvas twice to stop Wardley in the 11th round of an intense all-British showdown on Saturday night.
But promoter Frank Warren confirmed there was a rematch clause in the fight contract, meaning Wardley could trigger a comeback fight even after losing his WBO belt in his first defense.
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Daniel Dubois received strong instructions and two slaps from trainer Don Charles after falling behind against Fabio Wardley.
“There’s a rematch clause in the contract,” Warren told DAZN. “Let the dust settle, there’s a lot going on in the heavyweight (division) and we’ll see.”
Asked again about the possibility of a rematch, Warren told Sky Sports: “It’s up to them. It’s up to the fighters.”
“I’d like to push for a rematch, but I’d like to see them get a really good rest and recharge their batteries and stuff before that.”
Dubois was stopped by Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch last July, but his win over Wardley puts any doubts about his desire to fight to rest.
“He showed his worth,” Warren said. “He showed his heart and fighting spirit.”
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Daniel Dubois had nothing but praise for Fabio Wardley after their sensational fight for the WBO heavyweight belt at Manchester’s Coop Live Arena.
“It’s not the end of the world for Fabio either. It takes two people to play a match like that and there were times when I thought Fabio might win the match.
“He’s more than capable of coming back, and he will definitely come back, and we’re going to support him and make sure he’s given every opportunity.”
Dubois vs. Kabayer, aiming for two world titles?
Ajit Kabayer wants to fight Daniel Dubois for WBC belt too
Ajit Kabayer, who was watching from ringside, expressed his desire to face Dubois in the near future.
Unified champion Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBC title, but Warren believes the Ukrainian could be stripped of the belt unless he fights Kabayer after his next bout, scheduled for May 23 in Egypt.
“(If Usyk wants to fight Kabayer next) that’s his choice,” Warren told Sky Sports. “If not, he will either surrender the belt or be stripped of it.”
Warren, who is also a supporter of Kabayer, acknowledged that it would be easy to match up the German-based fighter with Dubois.
“That will happen, but Agit is next. It’s the easy way out. If he (Usyk) wants to give back the belt, he (Kabayer) can fight the winner of this.”
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Zak Ceri came on short notice and caused one of the biggest shocks British boxing has seen in a long time by knocking out highly-rated Cuban David Morrell. Match highlights provided by DAZN.
The undefeated Kabayer holds the interim WBC title after stopping Damien Knaiba in the third round in January and is poised to face Dubois in a world title unification bout.
“I’m the WBC’s No. 1 contender,” he told Sky Sports.
“First of all, I’m waiting for the WBC, Rico vs. Usyk situation, and maybe then the show will happen.
“If Usyk gives me the belt, I can fight the winner of this fight, so why not?”
