Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are set to rematch on October 17 at the O2 Arena in London, England. The WBO heavyweight belt Dubois snatched from Wardley in 11 brutal rounds in May.
Dubois rose from two early brushes with the canvas to pound the resistance out of the game – and perhaps too game – Wardley. Such was damage dished out, there was concern for the loser in the aftermath.
But Wardley, 20-1-1 (19 KOs), insists he’s all healed with lessons learned.
The 31-year-old has rebounded before. In 2024, in a rematch, he pounded Frazer Clarke into first round defeat after being held to a draw in the first fight.
After that, Wardley beat Justis Huni at Portman Road, Ipswich before scoring the biggest win of his career to date, at the O2, with an 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker.
“The O2 is like a home away from home for me,” said Wardley.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to it. It’s going to be revenge [against Dubois].
“Adjustments need to be made; I have done it before against Frazer Clarke. I’ve proven I can change.”
Even so, the 23-3 (22 KOs) Dubois – still the only man to defeat new IBF boss Filip Hrgovic – will start as favorite.
“I’m going for a dominant victory,” said the 28-year-old. “I can’t wait. Let’s get it on.”
