In Manchester on Saturday, Fabio Wardley lost to Daniel Dubois by TKO in the 11th round of a WBO heavyweight title fight. Wardley knocked Dubois down twice early, but endured repeated illegal blows, including headbutts, that left his face heavily damaged. The bout attracted a capacity crowd at the Manchester Arena, and Wardley’s camp has condemned referee Howard Foster for not intervening sooner.

Wardley’s team argues the repeated infractions warranted a stoppage long before the 11th, citing visible facial trauma and a break in action after Wardley hurt Dubois in the seventh round. They also highlighted the referee’s premature break after Wardley landed a damaging blow on Dubois. The camp has asked the British Boxing Board of Control for an explanation of Foster’s decision.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed a rematch clause sits in the contract, giving Wardley the option to enforce an immediate second fight. Warren said the decision rests with the fighters, adding they need proper rest before any renewal. Should Wardley activate the clause, the bout would become his first professional loss and a pivotal moment for both heavyweights.