Fabio Wardley is set to defend his world heavyweight championship against Daniel Dubois on May 9 in Manchester, according to sources who spoke with ESPN. Though the fight has not been officially announced yet, negotiations for this all-British heavyweight clash began last week and are moving quickly, insiders revealed.
The news was initially reported by Ring Magazine on Tuesday afternoon. Both Wardley and Dubois, who are promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, are eager for a high-profile bout. Dubois has even been provoking Wardley on social media recently, urging him to “sign the deal.”
Wardley, with a record of 20 wins, no losses, and one draw (19 by knockout), is coming off a knockout victory over Joseph Parker in the 11th round last October to claim the WBO interim heavyweight title. Following that win, he was elevated to full world champion status and this fight will mark his first defense of the belt.
Dubois holds a record of 22 wins, 3 losses, with 21 knockouts. He is looking to recover from a devastating knockout defeat by then-undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk last summer, which cost him the IBF title. Usyk later relinquished the WBO title, now held by Wardley.
Fan Take:
This matchup is significant because it pits two of Britain’s rising heavyweight stars against each other, promising a thrilling contest that could reshape the division’s future. For fight fans, it marks a pivotal moment that could usher in a new era of British dominance in the heavyweight class.
