Daniel Dubois may already have his next bout set after he was involved in one of the best heavyweight fights in recent memory against Fabio Wardley.
Dubois stopped Wardley in the 11th round of their clash at Co-Op Live in Manchester to win the WBO heavyweight title, after an incredible clash that saw ‘DDD’ get off the canvas twice early on before going on to dominate the closing rounds of the contest.
Wardley showed tremendous heart and bravery to stay on his feet and survive as long as he did, but in the end, Dubois came out on top to become a two-time world heavyweight champion, with referee Howard Foster stopping the action.
Speaking in the aftermath of the fight, promoter Frank Warren announced that there was a rematch clause in the contract, indicating that Dubois and Wardley could face off again next.
“It was amazing. These two guys showed such heart. Great heart, chins, an amazing fight. It was absorbing, it had everything. The best heavyweight fight I’ve ever put on.
“There is a rematch clause in the contract. Let the dust settle, there are a lot of things happening in the heavyweight division, then we’ll see. Fabio isn’t going away, he’ll be back. He’s a true, brave, gutsy man. I take my hat off to both of them.”
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk previously stated he wanted to face the winner of the bout, but having already beaten Dubois twice, fans may certainly prefer to see ‘DDD’ have the rematch with Wardley instead, or defend his belt against number one contender Moses Itauma.
Though he would not be blamed for taking time off and having a lower-level comeback fight – in fact most would advise that path – Wardley’s determination, paired with the success he had early on, could well see him look to win his title back immediately by activating the clause. It will, of course, depend on the most important update fans are waiting for – full recovery from a brutal eleven rounds.
