Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are set to rematch on 17 October at the O2, following their first encounter in May.
The Brutal First Fight in Manchester
The initial meeting between the two British heavyweights took place at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, drawing an audience of 18,000 spectators. The contest delivered a chaotic opening when Dubois was dropped in both the first and third rounds. However, Wardley failed to capitalize on the opportunity as Dubois struggled to recover his equilibrium. Dubois rebounded to turn the fight in the sixth round, eventually stopping Wardley 28 seconds into the eleventh round. When the referee halted the bout, Wardley was on his feet with his right eye nearly closed and his nose severely slashed. Despite the physical damage, Wardley stated afterward, My body failed me but not my heart. And that I can live with.
He quickly activated a rematch clause following the loss.
The Stakes for the O2 Arena Rematch
The upcoming October 17 bout at the O2 Arena marks the first time two British heavyweights have met in a rematch for a world title. It also represents the third world heavyweight championship fight involving British boxers in Britain this year. Dubois enters the ring holding the WBO heavyweight title he snatched in May, alongside a professional record of 23 wins, 3 losses, and 22 knockouts. Wardley carries a record of 20 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 19 knockouts into the matchup. Don Charles noted that Dubois silenced critics with his late-2024 win against Anthony Joshua and his subsequent victory over Wardley. Meanwhile, Wardley and his camp have focused on making crucial adjustments after reviewing the mistakes of the first encounter.
Full O2 Arena Fight Card
- Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley (WBO heavyweight world title)
- Louie O’Doherty vs. Michael Gomez Jr. (British and Commonwealth lightweight titles)
- Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Solomon Dacres (Heavyweight)
- Tony Curtis vs. Kerim Agius (Super flyweight)
- Leighton Birchall vs. Luis Vara Carrillo (Featherweight)
- Fawas Aborode vs. Rashid Omar (Lightweight)
- Manny Safari vs. Jake Pollard (Featherweight)
- Zayn Ahmed vs. Kasey Bradnum (Super featherweight)
- Issiah Hamilton-Allen vs. Jensen Irving (Middleweight)