Daniel Dubois became the new WBO heavyweight champion by stopping Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of a brutal all-British clash in Manchester. Dubois recovered from being knocked down twice to stop Wardley in his first title defence, answering any questions about his appetite for battle after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk last July. "He showed what he's all about," promoter Frank Warren said. "He showed his heart and his fighting spirit."

Warren confirmed a rematch clause was inserted in the fight contract, meaning Wardley could activate an immediate return bout. "There's a rematch clause in the contract," Warren told DAZN. "Let the dust settle, there's a lot of things happening in the heavyweight [division] and then we'll see." Warren added he would like both fighters to rest before making any decisions. "It's not the end of the world for Fabio either. It takes two to make a fight like that."

Agit Kabayel watched from ringside and immediately called for a shot at the new champion. The unbeaten German holds the WBC interim title and is the No. 1 contender for Usyk's full belt. Warren suggested a Dubois-Kabayel fight would be straightforward to arrange, especially if Usyk vacates or is stripped of the WBC title following his next fight against Rico Verhoeven on May 23.