Dubois stops Wardley in 11th round to take WBO heavyweight boxing title | Boxing News
Daniel Dubois Secures WBO Heavyweight Title with Comeback Victory Over Fabio Wardley
Published May 10, 2026
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom — Daniel Dubois staged a remarkable comeback, recovering from two knockdowns to claim the World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Heavyweight title with a decisive stoppage of Fabio Wardley on Saturday night.
Referee Howard Foster called an end to the contest at the start of the 11th round at the Co-Op Live Arena, with Wardley visibly injured; he was bleeding from the nose, and his right eye had nearly closed.
Dubois, who was knocked down in the opening seconds by a powerful right hook, demonstrated resilience throughout the match. He suffered another knockdown in the third round but came back strong, ultimately overwhelming Wardley and clinching the title for the second time in his career.
“It was a war. We came through the sticky moments. Thank you, Fabio, for that,” Dubois said post-fight. Previously, Dubois held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated it in 2024. Usyk reclaimed the title in July 2025.
“What a great fight. What a great battle,” Dubois added.
With this victory, Dubois improved his record to 23 wins in 26 professional bouts, while Wardley now stands at 20 wins, one loss, and one draw.
Frank Warren, a veteran promoter who manages both fighters, hailed the match as the best heavyweight fight he has ever promoted. He also confirmed the presence of a rematch clause in the contract.
Throughout the bout, some viewers expressed concern over the prolonged action, suggesting that the fight could have been halted earlier. Wardley, 31, was making his first title defense after being promoted to WBO champion last November when Usyk vacated the belt. Despite enduring significant punishment, Wardley displayed remarkable tenacity and refused to concede.
In the early stages, Wardley managed to drop Dubois, a moment Dubois later referred to as a “flash knockdown.” The intensity escalated in the sixth round when Dubois appeared close to finishing the fight, as Wardley was pinned against the ropes and bleeding profusely.
Despite the onslaught, Wardley continued to fight, demonstrating his will to remain in the contest. His corner examined his facial injuries following the eighth round, and medical personnel assessed his condition during the ninth and tenth rounds. However, the bout continued, with Wardley struggling but refusing to yield.
“You witnessed something special tonight,” Warren remarked to the BBC. “Two men baring their hearts and souls in the ring, giving everything they had.”
As the crowd roared in appreciation of the fierce matchup, Dubois emerged as the WBO heavyweight champion in a bout that will be remembered for its brutality and heart.
