Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley may meet again after their thrilling heavyweight clash in Manchester on Saturday night. Dubois stopped Wardley in the 11th round to claim the WBO heavyweight title and become a two-time world champion, but not without surviving major scares early in the fight.
Early Knockdowns and Comeback
Seconds into the bout, Dubois was knocked down, and he hit the canvas again in the third round. However, he battled back and increasingly dominated as the fight progressed. Wardley was a bloody mess by the time the fight was halted in the 11th, leading to questions about whether the referee or his corner should have intervened earlier. The contest was thrilling but became uncomfortable as Wardley bravely endured, with his eye swollen shut and staggering around the ring.
Rematch Clause and Future Options
Dubois now holds the WBO belt and has several options. Promoter Frank Warren revealed that a rematch clause exists in the contract, hinting at a potential second fight. 'These two guys showed such heart and chins,' Warren said. 'It was an amazing fight that had everything. There's a rematch clause in the contract. Let's let the dust settle in the heavyweight division. Then we'll see. He's back and Fabio is not going away either. He's a true gutsy man.'
Other potential opponents for Dubois include a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk, though the Ukrainian has beaten the Brit twice. Moses Itauma is the mandatory WBO challenger and will be calling for a bout, while the winner of the expected Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight could also come calling.
Dubois Reflects on Victory
Dubois acknowledged the need for recovery before deciding his next move but was proud of his performance. 'I know I've got bundles of heart,' the 28-year-old said. 'I'm a warrior in there. It was a flash knockdown. I had to bounce it off and come back harder. It feels great. I thank Fabio for a great fight. We move on now. I had to pull it out of the bag and use all my skills. What a great fight, what a great battle. I'm No1 again.' He added, 'He's a durable guy. A great warrior. It was an honour to be in the ring with him. I want to grow from this fight and go on a reign as champion again.'
Warren's Praise
Warren, who has promoted Tyson Fury, called Saturday's fight the best heavyweight contest he has ever promoted. 'You witnessed something special tonight, ultra special,' he said. 'Two men bearing their hearts and souls in the ring. They didn't leave one bit out. It's the best heavyweight fight I've ever done. The determination, the will to win, neither of them taking a backwards step. Amazing.'
