Derek Chisora has considered the long-term future of Fabio Wardley, who many felt was wrong to pursue a Daniel Dubois rematch so soon after their first fight.
Back then, in May, the Ipswich man got off to a flying start after flooring his man in rounds one and three.
As their contest progressed, however, Wardley started to get thoroughly outclassed by the jab and footwork of Dubois, who eventually scored an 11th-round finish.
Yet despite enduring such a horrific beatdown, Wardley triggered the rematch clause in their contract and secured the opportunity to reclaim his WBO world title yesterday evening.
Naturally, Dubois was made a considerable pre-fight favourite and, within the first 20 seconds of their rematch, he managed to floor Wardley with a sledgehammer right hand.
Maintaining his pressure, the 29-year-old would then score a second-round stoppage – and retain his heavyweight title – after Wardley’s corner threw in the towel.
In his post-fight interview, the 31-year-old rejected claims that he had returned too soon and, instead, gave Dubois credit for implementing his tactics so effectively.
Others, meanwhile, have suggested that Wardley’s punch resistance is now shot to pieces, with heavyweight veteran Chisora saying on the DAZN broadcast that ‘he’s done’ and wouldn’t be surprised if he never entered the ring again.
“Fabio’s done. He better get a job on DAZN [and start] commentating. This was his last fight. He boxed an elite-level athlete and got beat.”
Chisora went on to praise Wardley’s underdog story – from white-collar fighter to world champion – but also highlighted the fact that, rather than winning his title in the ring, he was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBO champion following his 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker in October 2025.
