Dubois defends WBO title against Wardley in London rematch

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 16 Oct, 19:02 · Archive

Daniel Dubois defends his WBO heavyweight title against Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena on Saturday. The rematch comes just five months after their first encounter in May, which was described as thrilling and a Fight of the Year contender.

Dubois won that first fight when referee Howard Foster stopped the bout in the 11th round. Wardley remained on his feet but was taking sustained heavy punishment. Dubois had been knocked down twice early in the fight, once after only ten seconds, but recovered to dominate a bruised and battered Wardley. Despite the brutal nature of the stoppage, Wardley later insisted the punishment was not as bad as it appeared.

Dubois claimed the WBO belt following this victory. Wardley had held the title since being upgraded after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished it in November 2025. Wardley had originally won the interim gold with a late stoppage of Joseph Parker the month prior.

BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Bunce has cautioned that Wardley is taking an enormous gamble by returning so soon after such a severe beating, suggesting the fighter should have waited longer before facing Dubois again.

Dubois defends WBO title against Wardley in London rematch — Image: BBC London

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How it is being reported

Dubois and Wardley at career-heaviest for rematchBritons Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley both weigh in at their career-heaviest for Saturday's heavyweight world-title rematch in London.BBC London · 16 Oct, 19:42
Dubois vs Wardley 2: Date, fight time, undercard, prediction, ring walks and oddsWBO heavyweight world title on the line in London rematch of May thrillerEvening Standard · 16 Oct, 18:38
Dubois v Wardley 2 - blood, bravery & a heavyweight gambleSteve Bunce looks at the risks of an immediate rematch between heavyweight Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley and what is at stake for both fighters.BBC London · 16 Oct, 08:03

In this story: Daniel Dubois · Fabio Wardley · London · O2 Arena · Howard Foster · Oleksandr Usyk · Joseph Parker

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