Daniel Dubois is set to defend his WBO heavyweight world title against Fabio Wardley after the Ipswich man activated his contractual rematch clause.
The two British punchers starred in one of the most thrilling and brutal heavyweight affairs in recent memory, with Dubois surviving two early knockdowns to take control and beat Wardley to a referee stoppage in the eleventh round.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Dubois first reflected on the win.
“I just thought, ‘yeah, I’ve proved you all wrong again.’ Just the victory for me, my dad, my team and the whole circle, it was just a [satisfying] victory for them. I know all the hard work they put in behind the scenes.”
Given the damage Wardley sustained as the fight went on, many felt he might take time away from the sport to recover or opt for a steadier route back towards title contention. Ultimately, however, the opportunity to reclaim the belt he gained after beating Joseph Parker last year proved too good to turn down.
When asked whether he was surprised Wardley chose to exercise the clause, Dubois admitted there was a degree of uncertainty over the challenger’s intentions.
“A little bit [surprised]. We’ll see, it could be a tactical move, you never know … I’m ready for whatever’s next.”
Promoter Frank Warren says fans will see the rematch in 2026 and believes it is now big enough to fill a stadium. Wherever it lands, there is little doubt that the two men deserve as many eyes on their rivalry as possible given what was left in the ring last time around.
