Dubois Climbs Off the Canvas to Become Two-Time World Heavyweight Champion
Dubois recovered from two knockdowns and landed sustained pressure before referee Howard Foster stopped the bout in the 11th round, ending Wardley’s unbeaten run.
- On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Daniel Dubois stopped Fabio Wardley in the 11th round at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, capturing the WBO heavyweight title in an intense all-British clash.
- Wardley entered as champion, making his first title defense after winning the interim belt last October, while Dubois returned from a 10-month layoff following his second career loss to undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
- Early knockdowns saw Wardley floor Dubois twice—within 10 seconds of the opening bell and again in the third round—but the challenger recovered to dismantle the champion, leaving him bloodied and nearly unable to see.
- Referee Howard Foster halted the contest 28 seconds into the 11th round as Wardley's facial injuries worsened, securing Dubois' second world title reign and silencing long-standing questions about his resilience.
- Promoter Frank Warren confirmed a rematch clause exists in the contract, signaling a potential second fight between the pair; meanwhile, Usyk prepares for Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Dubois down twice, stops Wardley to win WBO heavyweight title
MANCHESTER, England — Daniel Dubois showed up late, got knocked down early and still beat Fabio Wardley to become a two-time heavyweight champion on Saturday. Dubois stopped Wardley in the 11th round to win the WBO heavyweight title at the Co-op Live arena after reportedly being delayed by traffic on his arrival. Wardley dropped Dubois (23-3, 22 KOs) just 10 seconds into the bout with an overhand right, and again in the third round, but the form…
Sydney Morning Herald
Dubois becomes heavyweight world champion
Daniel Dubois overcomes some early dramas to become WBO heavyweight champion against Fabio Wardley.
Boxing: Dubois stops Wardley in 11th round to take WBO heavyweight title
Daniel Dubois came back from two knockdowns to deal Fabio Wardley a brutal and bloody first defeat as a professional and take the WBO heavyweight title in a thunderous all-British clash on Saturday.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
