Daniel Dubois has claimed the WBO heavyweight title, dethroning Fabio Wardley in a bout that defied pre-fight expectations. The contest, held in Manchester on Saturday, May 9, 2026, saw Dubois overcome the previously unbeaten Wardley, marking a significant turning point in the heavyweight division.
Dubois, with a record now standing at 22 wins (21 KOs) against three defeats, faced Wardley, the reigning champion who entered the ring with an unblemished 20-0-1 record (19 KOs). The fight was widely anticipated as a clash of knockout artists, with their combined knockout rate exceeding 95%. Wardley, making his first official defense of the WBO strap, had been elevated to champion status after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the title. Dubois, a former champion himself, was aiming to regain a world title, with two of his previous losses coming against Usyk.
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The pre-fight narratives painted a picture of contrasting styles and backgrounds. Wardley, a product of white-collar boxing with limited amateur experience, was described as "awkward but rudimentary" by some observers, yet undeniably powerful. Dubois, conversely, boasted a more decorated, albeit short, amateur career and was lauded for his balanced boxing, a potent jab, and a formidable right hand. This stylistic dichotomy, coupled with their shared reputation for stopping opponents, fueled predictions of a swift and decisive encounter.
Beyond the main event, the card featured other notable matchups. The reports mentioned a bout between Morrell and Chelli, with Chelli reportedly making a significant mark on the contest in later rounds. Another fight on the undercard involved Majid and Gwynne, where Gwynne was noted for his persistent aggression. The event was broadcast on DAZN Pay-Per-View, with the main card commencing at 1 p.m. ET.
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