Daniel Dubois retains WBO heavyweight title as Fabio Wardley invokes rematch clause

Daniel Dubois stopped Fabio Wardley in the 11th round at Manchester's Co‑Op Live Arena to retain the WBO heavyweight title and become a two‑time champion. Wardley, who knocked Dubois down in the first and third rounds, suffered a badly battered face and was criticized for the referee allowing blows to the back of the head.

After the fight Wardley activated a mandatory rematch clause, stating, "I'm coming for you – and my belt," and expects a comeback bout before the end of the year. Promoter Frank Warren described the encounter as one of the best all‑British heavyweight fights.

The bout was the first defence of Wardley's title, which he had won from Joseph Parker earlier in the year.