Dubois survives knockdowns to claim WBO title

Daniel Dubois survived two knockdowns to dethrone Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of a thrilling heavyweight fight, capturing the WBO world title. The bout took place at Co-op Live in Manchester on May 9, 2026, with Dubois overcoming early setbacks, including being knocked down within 10 seconds and again in the third round.

Wardley, who had his nose damaged and one eye swollen shut, managed to stay on his feet and fought back with significant resilience. As the fight progressed, the referee halted the contest after observing Wardley struggle amidst heavy punishment, leading to Dubois’ celebration as he became a two-time world champion.

"It was a war, thank you Fabio for that, thank you. I know I’ve got heart, bundles of heart. I'm a warrior in there," Dubois stated post-fight. He delivered a performance that silenced critics who had questioned his mentality, achieving his 23rd professional win and inflicting Wardley’s first defeat in 22 fights.

The matchup showcased incredible knockout power on both sides, living up to the pre-fight anticipation bolstered by a combined record of 42 wins—40 by knockout. Dubois, who arrived late at the venue due to traffic, had a swift entrance. In contrast, Wardley enjoyed a grand arrival as the newly crowned champion, receiving a warm reception from the 18,000 fans present.

Both fighters exchanged heavy blows early on, with Dubois initially appearing overpowered after sustaining a knockdown. However, he managed to regroup and land effective jabs. Despite being hurt, Wardley demonstrated remarkable tenacity, refusing to go down, even as he absorbed more damage and faced a doctor’s assessment before the eighth round.

The conflict escalated to a point where the referee appeared ready to intervene as the punishment for Wardley was significant. Ultimately, the fight was stopped in the 11th round, leading to Dubois' victory. Promoter Frank Warren remarked that this was "the best heavyweight fight" he had ever promoted.

In the wake of this victory, Dubois’ career trajectory has significantly shifted. Having faced setbacks against opponents like Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, he has now regained his standing in the heavyweight division. Dubois expressed gratitude towards Wardley and hinted at aspirations for further growth, envisioning a rematch with Usyk and a continued journey in pursuit of championship glory.