Daniel Dubois Wins WBO Heavyweight Title, Sets Up Future Clash with Moses Itauma

On May 9, 2026, at the Co‑op Live Arena in Manchester, Daniel Dubois stopped Fabio Wardley in the 11th round to claim the WBO heavyweight championship. After being knocked down twice early, Dubois unleashed a series of powerful rights that caused severe swelling and bleeding, prompting the referee to halt the bout.

The stoppage generated controversy. Promoter Frank Warren said the fight went on too long and that he would have stopped it earlier, while former champion Frank Bruno echoed the view that the referee could have intervened sooner. Wardley's trainer Ben Davison admitted a towel was ready but did not pull his fighter out. A contractual rematch clause gives Wardley the right to demand a second fight, though it is expected to be delayed.

Warren also confirmed that the next mandatory challenger for Dubois is 21‑year‑old Moses Itauma, describing a future showdown as a "massive" event that could fill Wembley and may not happen until late 2026 or 2027.

The same card featured a major undercard upset when Londoner Zak Chelli knocked out Cuban David Morrell. Chelli, who wanted a bout with Callum Smith, said the victory would change his career trajectory.