This past weekend, fans and rivals alike tuned in to the heavyweight world title rematch between champion Daniel Dubois and challenger Fabio Wardley, including Anthony Joshua.
Dubois beat Wardley for the WBO belt back in May – a fight of the year contender that ended after eleven punishing rounds. Though Wardley suffered his first career defeat that night, many gave him a chance in the rematch due to the fact that he put Dubois down twice.
It was, however, all ‘DDD’ when the first bell rang in London. He dropped Wardley – the first time the tough Ipswich man has touched the canvas – in twenty seconds and continued to dominate until the towel came in during round two.
Speaking on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel, Wardley’s former promoter, Eddie Hearn, discussed the fight, and shared ‘AJ’s reaction, too.
“I was texting him during and after the fight. I think he was quite surprised how quickly it went. It was just a shootout, and I think maybe Wardley thought ‘my real chance comes in the first three or four rounds here.’
He made a mistake early on, got buttoned. By the way, Fabio’s got a hell of a chin, because you never see him get poleaxed.”
Joshua was stopped by Dubois inside five rounds back in 2024, so knows better than most the power that the reigning champion possesses.
Hearn went on to give his own thoughts on Wardley’s form going into the fight.
“It’s just the body language for me, and physically I don’t think he looked in the same kind of shape. I don’t think he came into the ring with the same confidence. I’m not so sure.
Listen, he’s made great money, been a world heavyweight champion, been part of some big nights… Whatever’s next for him, best of luck. He’s well surpassed any achievements that he could ever have dreamed of when he walked into the sport from fighting white collar.”
