In two weeks, Fabio Wardley puts his WBO Heavyweight world title on the line against Daniel Dubois in an all-British battle that has the ingredients to be the division’s most thrilling bout of the year. It will now, however, be the only heavyweight action on the card following a late cancellation.
Wardley was elevated from interim to full champion last year following his victory over Joseph Parker. For his first defence, he promised to deliver fans a top fight, and the selection of Dubois, who should be by far the biggest puncher the champion has faced so far, provides exactly that.
The main event represents another step towards the new generation of heavyweights as the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fight out the final stages of their careers. Another man who was tipped strongly to be in the mix as a significant player was Jared Anderson, and a fight against Sol Dacres on this undercard marked the first in a co-promotional deal with Queensberry and Top Rank.
Unfortunately, Anderson’s inactivity will now continue, as a bicep tear has ruled him out of the contest, as first reported by DAZN’s Chris Mannix. The American has fought just once since a damaging KO loss to Martin Bakole back in 2024, but seemed to have found a fresh desire this year. It is unclear at this stage if Dacres will remain on the card, potentially leaving Wardley’s first defence as the only heavyweight fight of the night.
The rest of the card remains solid – Jack Rafferty will move up in weight to take on Ekow Essuman at 147lbs, while Liam Cameron faces former European champion Brad Rea in a light-heavyweight clash.
Undefeated Khaleel Majid meets former British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Gavin Gwynne, who looks to provide another stern test to a rising star after doing the same against Matchroom prospect Cameron Vuong.
The event takes place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on May 9, broadcast live on DAZN.
