JAKARTA - World heavyweight champion of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Fabio Wardley is confirmed to fight for the first time to defend his title against fellow British boxer Daniel Dubois. BBC Sport reported that the clash between the two names will take place on May 9, 2026 at the Co-Op Live Arena, Manchester, England. Wardley has also shared the poster of the clash on his X social media. "I never play around in this sport. I'm only committed to big fights," said Wardley who managed to win 20 out of 21 professional fights (19 KO). Wardley won the WBO interim belt after defeating Joseph Parker via technical knockout (TKO) in the 11th round in October 2025 at The O2 Arena, London, England. The 31-year-old fighter then got the status of a real world champion after two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk decided to vacate the WBO belt. Wardley is very confident in the fight against Dubois, who previously held the IBF heavyweight world champion belt. He is confident of winning to keep the belt he has. "This is one of the biggest fights that can be held in the heavyweight division at the moment. This fight is already interesting enough without the need for additional promotion," said the fighter from Ipswich.
On the other hand, Dubois defeated fellow British fighter Anthony Joshua in September 2024 to retain his IBF belt. However, shortly after he immediately lost the title due to losing to Usyk. Prominent boxing promoter Frank Warren said the fight between Wardley and Dubois is an important part of the history of British heavyweights being made. "This is the most exciting and explosive fight available for Fabio's first defense of his WBO world title and it will show all about him that this is the fight he wants," he said.
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