Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley via an 11th-round stoppage at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, rising from two knockdowns to dethrone the WBO heavyweight champion in a thrilling contest.
Dubois, the challenger, produced a stunning comeback after Wardley started the fight with two early knockdowns—including one within the first 10 seconds. Despite the early damage, Dubois’ power proved decisive, as his devastating right hook inflicted heavy punishment on a bloodied Wardley.
The Londoner came close to ending the fight in the sixth round, trapping Wardley against the ropes, but sealed victory in the 11th with a relentless barrage that forced referee Howard Foster to step in and halt the bout.
“It was a war,” Dubois said afterward. “We got through the tough moments. Thank you, Fabio, for that. What a great fight, what a great battle.”
He added: “We move forward now. I want to build on this fight, keep improving, and reign as champion again.”
He concluded with a roar: “Are you not entertained? What a fight, what a warrior, thank you!”
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed a rematch clause is in the fight contract. “These two guys showed incredible heart. Great chins. An amazing fight,” Warren said. “Absorbing, it had everything—exciting. The best heavyweight fight I’ve ever promoted.”
Dubois entered the bout hoping to rebound from a second stoppage loss to world champion Oleksandr Usyk, but his night began in familiar fashion when he reportedly got stuck in traffic en route to the venue—echoing his late arrival before the Usyk loss due to a pre-fight party.
Wardley could not have started faster, flooring Dubois with a massive right hook less than 10 seconds into the first round. A visibly frustrated Dubois recovered, charging into a clinch and landing two heavy right hands to swing the momentum.
Dubois continued his recovery with a strong second round, landing a looping right on Wardley against the ropes. But the champion responded with another knockdown in the third, sending Dubois to one knee for an eight-count.
Miraculously, a weary Dubois battled back, landing a vicious one-two followed by a clubbing right hook that put Wardley on the back foot in round four. The Ipswich Town superfan had never been knocked down in his 20-fight career, but he looked vulnerable as Dubois connected with hooks and jabs to the head.
Wardley swung wildly, missing with his trademark right, and Dubois capitalized with a sharp left jab. He came close to a stoppage in the sixth with a flurry of blows, but Wardley somehow stayed upright despite visible blood and damage.
But the defending champion showed remarkable resilience…
