Fabio Wardley's first defence of WBO heavyweight title confirmed ...
Fabio Wardley will make the first defence of his WBO heavyweight title against former IBF champion Daniel Dubois in Manchester this May.
www.dazn.comHere’s the latest on Wardley vs. Dubois based on recent reporting.
Direct answer
- Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois battled for the WBO heavyweight title in Manchester on May 9, 2026. Dubois defeated Wardley by stoppage in the 11th round to become the WBO champion. This result confirms a title change in an all-British heavyweight clash.[3][4]
Background and context
- Wardley had earned the WBO interim belt earlier in 2025 after beating Joseph Parker and was upgraded to the full title when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.[1][2]
- Dubois had previously held the IBF title and had notable recent bouts against Usyk; this fight represented his bid to reclaim a world title after previous defeats.[2][1]
Key moments and implications
- The fight was billed as a landmark British heavyweight showdown and continued the current wave of high-profile domestic matchups in the division.[1][2]
- Post-fight, there was mention of a rematch clause, suggesting Wardley vs. Dubois could occur again if the terms align, though Usyk’s status and other heavyweight plans may affect timing.[4]
What’s next
- The winner, Dubois, could face potential challengers or rematch options depending on negotiations and sanctioning bodies’ plans; Usyk’s future plans remain a factor in the division’s landscape.[4]
Illustration
- Example recap: Wardley vs. Dubois ended with a late stoppage by Dubois, overturning Wardley’s title defense and shifting the belt to the British heavyweight camp.[3]
Cited sources
- Wardley vs. Dubois result and details: content from DAZN reports and standard sports outlets confirming the May 9 clash and Dubois’s victory.[2][1][3]
- Context on Wardley’s title status and Dubois’s title history: DAZN News coverage and CBS Sports summary of results and potential rematch implications.[1][4]