Fabio Wardley will try to win back the WBO heavyweight title from Daniel Dubois at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night, five months after Dubois stopped him in the 11th round in Manchester. Wardley, 31, has predicted a “crazy night”. Dubois, 29, says he will finish the job faster this time.
What happened
According to The Guardian, their first meeting in May was a likely Fight of the Year. Wardley was defending his WBO title and knocked Dubois down in the first and third rounds. Dubois, whose courage The Guardian says had been questioned in the past, got up both times. He then took control and inflicted heavy punishment, round after round. Wardley suffered a bad cut across the bridge of his nose and his face looked swollen. The referee stopped the contest in the 11th round, and the defeat ended Wardley’s unbeaten record.
The Guardian’s report calls it “the kind of heavy loss which takes years off a fighter’s career”. It also says a longer rest and a less risky return would have been the sensible choice. Wardley disagrees. This week he said the first fight looked worse than it really was: “There was a cut, but my nose wasn’t broken. I could still breathe fine, everything in good working order.” He added that he had been hit harder earlier in his career, and he suggested that fatigue, rather than the force of Dubois’s punches, was what beat him.
At this week’s press conference Wardley said: “I was unlikely to get through this boxing game unscathed with an undefeated record, because I want to be in there with the best guys. And that puts you in jeopardy. I can right those wrongs. Now is the fun bit.”
Dubois kept his reply short. “I’m feeling stronger, just grounded and ready to go out there and do my job,” he said. “I’m a better fighter, an improved fighter. I’ll finish it quicker. I’m gonna school him again.” He named his experience and amateur background as advantages, adding: “This time around, it’s going to be more clinical.”
The Guardian notes that Dubois has beaten Anthony Joshua and Filip Hrgovic, who now holds the IBF version of the world heavyweight title. It says he is a heavy favourite to beat Wardley again.
Why it matters if you live in United Kingdom
This is a heavyweight world title fight in London, and it follows a first bout in Manchester that drew wide attention. If you have recently moved to the UK, the rematch is a good introduction to one of the country’s most closely followed sports and to the fighters who currently lead it.
The build-up also shows how closely connected the British heavyweight scene is. Wardley’s career has run through the O2 before. In March 2024 he and Frazer Clarke fought to a bloody draw at the same venue. Seven months later Wardley knocked Clarke out in just over two minutes. Wardley says that turnaround is the model for Saturday.
Former opponents and fellow heavyweights are also commenting. Derek Chisora, who The Guardian says is threatening yet another comeback, was dismissive on the radio this week. “I think this is Wardley’s last fight,” Chisora said. “I believe he is concentrating on being a pundit. I don’t think he wants to box any more; I think this is a cash-out.” He predicted that Wardley would attack in the first three rounds, after which “Daniel is going to get another knockout.”
Wardley’s own message to fans was simple: “It’s finishing early one way or another. It’s going to be a crazy night. Everyone, tune in.” The Guardian’s report does not give broadcast or ticket details, so check the official event channels if you want to watch or attend.
What to watch next
The opening rounds. The Guardian suggests Wardley’s best chance is to use his considerable power early in another slugfest and hope his punches overwhelm Dubois this time. Wardley says the fight is “only going one way”. Chisora expects Dubois to take over once the first three rounds are done.
Wardley’s condition. Wardley insists his injuries in May were mainly cosmetic. The Guardian, which had a ringside seat, says that account does not match what it saw in Manchester. How he copes with Dubois’s power will show which version is closer to the truth.
Dubois’s next step. Dubois has said he wants to “do this thing and move on to bigger and better things”. He has already beaten Hrgovic, the current IBF champion, so a win would strengthen his position near the top of the division.
Wardley’s future. Chisora claims Wardley is preparing for a career as a pundit. Wardley says he can win this fight and set right the result of the first one. The Guardian’s verdict is blunt: it believes the logic of the ring suggests Wardley “is trading in dangerous fantasy”. Saturday night will decide which view is right.
Source: The Guardian
Sources
- The Guardian: Wardley predicts ‘crazy night’ in fight for redemption against Dubois, accessed 16 October 2026
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