‘Fight of the Year’: Dubois vs Wardley rematch set after thrilling, intense battle
Daniel Dubois defeated defending champ Fabio Wardley in 11 rounds, and now we know more about their rematch plans.
They fought tonight in a bout called the ‘Fight of the Year’ by pro boxer Chris Eubank Jr on X, getting fans excited for a possible rematch.
Dubois surprised everyone by coming back after being knocked down twice early on — the first knockdown happened just 10 seconds into the first round at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester.
The second knockdown came in Round 3, when Wardley hit Dubois hard enough to leave him on one knee. It took Dubois eight seconds to get back up.
Even after taking that punishment, Dubois fought back hard from rounds four to six, landing strong punches on Wardley.
In Round 6, Dubois nearly stopped the fight as Wardley was left bruised and bleeding, but Wardley stayed standing.
The referee finally stopped the fight in Round 11, after Wardley took a lot of damage and his right eye nearly closed shut.
Promoter Frank Warren called it “the best heavyweight fight I’ve ever put on” and shared some news about a possible rematch.
“There’s a rematch clause in the contract. These two showed amazing heart. Great wills, great toughness, it was an incredible fight,” said Warren, 74, during an interview with DAZN.
“Let’s wait and see, there’s a lot going on in the heavyweight division. Fabio isn’t going anywhere — he’ll come back. He’s brave and tough. I respect both fighters,” he added.
Dubois told SPORTbible he’s ready for his upcoming fights and could face Wardley again if the ex-champion picks the rematch.
Another possible opponent is Oleksandr Usyk, who said he has three fights left before retiring. The winner of Dubois-Wardley might be one of those fights.
In March, Usyk told DAZN: “Rico is first. Second, it’s whoever wins Wardley-Dubois. Third fight is my friend, Greedy Belly, Tyson Fury.”
Usyk, 39, beat Dubois twice before — once in 2023 and again in 2025 by knockout.
After the fight, Dubois called Wardley a “warrior” and thanked him for the hard battle that ended in Round 11 with Dubois’ win.
“It was a war… Thanks, Fabio. I know I have a lot of heart. I’m a warrior,” said the WBO world heavyweight champ, age 28.
Dubois added, “I want to learn from this fight, get better, and keep reigning as champion. Did you enjoy that? What a fight, what a warrior, thank you!”