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Dubois wins WBO title, Wardley faces rematch option

Sky Sports Champions League •
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London‑born Daniel Dubois seized the vacant WBO heavyweight title by stopping former champion Fabio Wardley in the seventh round. After two knockdowns, Dubois landed a decisive flurry that forced the referee to halt the bout. The victory crowns him champion at 28, a rare achievement in the division after a grueling 12‑round war that saw both men trade blows.

Despite the loss, Wardley’s contract grants him a mandatory rematch clause, allowing him to call for a second fight even after such a decisive defeat. Promoter Frank Warren noted the option exists but the timing is uncertain, with a rematch unlikely before late 2026 or 2027 while both fighters focus on recovery and training daily.

Dubois’ next logical challenge is 21‑year‑old Moses Itauma, the current WBO #1 contender and a former gym‑mate of Wardley. The British prospect has already earned a reputation as a formidable opponent, and a bout between the two would electrify the heavyweight scene, potentially drawing a Wembley crowd as both camps prepare for the inevitable showdown.

Promoter Frank Warren balanced criticism of Dubois’ aggressive tactics with praise for the bout’s intensity. He highlighted Dubois’ jab, distance, and footwork as key elements that secured the victory. With both fighters exhausted, Warren emphasized the importance of rest before future fights, underscoring the heavyweight division’s brutal nature and the stakes that come with each title fight.