Daniel Dubois will defend his WBO heavyweight world title against Fabio Wardley in a rematch on 17 October at London's O2 Arena. Londoner Dubois, 28, dethroned Wardley with an 11th-round stoppage in a thrilling all-British showdown in Manchester in May to become a two-time world champion. The announcement came during Saturday's undercard of Moses Itauma's IBF heavyweight world title fight with Filip Hrgovic, with Dubois and Wardley facing off in the ring. Dubois predicted a "dominant victory" before adding: "Let's get it on. It's just a war. When you get in the water, you're going to get wet."

The first meeting lived up to its billing, with two of the division's biggest punchers producing a dramatic fight. Wardley dropped Dubois twice early, but a bloodied Wardley absorbed heavy punishment before the referee stopped the bout. It was the first defeat of the 31-year-old's professional career in his 22nd bout. "It didn't take long at all [to agree]. The O2 is like a home away from home for me," Fabio Wardley said on DAZN. "Looking forward to getting straight back into it. Going to be a rematch and going to be revenge."

The winner could face fellow Briton Itauma next summer, provided the prospect secures a world title. Promoter Frank Warren has suggested a potential Wembley Stadium clash. The heavyweight division remains fragmented following Oleksandr Usyk's decision to vacate his titles, with Murat Gassiev holding the WBA belt and Agit Kabayel the WBC champion.