DANIEL DUBOIS BECOMES WBO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEFEARING FABIO WARDLEY BY 11TH ROUND KNOCKOUT

 

Credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

Daniel Dubois is now a two-time heavyweight world champion.

The 28 year old from Greenwich survived two knockdowns, the first after just 10 seconds, to beat Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of a thrilling fight in Manchester. Dubois now holds the WBO version of the heavyweight title.

The professional boxer weathered the early onslaught and started to land some punishing shots of his own, leaving Wardley’s face bloodied and battered.

The referee ended the match at the start of the penultimate round.

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois during their WBO heavyweight title bout at Co-op Live, Manchester.
Credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

Dubois claims he called on his "warrior spirit" in the ring. He said:

“I had to get back up, bounce it off and come back harder. I’m a warrior.

“I had to pull it out the bag and rely on (the jab) and use all of my skills. What a great fight, what a great battle. But, I’m number one again.”

Dubois added, “I want to grow from this fight, improve and come back even better and go on a reign as champion again.”

The world champion halted Wardley’s fairytale run from white-collar boxer to WBO title holder, and quietened critics who have questioned his spirit.

Fabio Wardley lost out on his hopes of winning the title last night.
Credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

He faced accusations of “quitting” when he lost to Joe Joyce in 2020 and this week Dubois walked out of two interviews as he looked to get back into the win column after losing his IBF title 11 months ago.

A second defeat to heavyweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium was followed by footage emerging of Dubois hosting a party at his house just hours before being taken out in the fifth round.

His trainer Don Charles, who Dubois fired and rehired since then, promised there would be no repeat of a pre-fight “gathering” after his charge was granted an immediate shot at winning another world title

- itv

WHAT A FINISH! | DANIEL DUBOIS VS. FABIO WARDLEY

 

FABIO WARDLEY VS. DANIEL DUBOIS | FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

 

FABIO WARDLEY & DANIEL DUBOIS ENTER THE CAULDRON

 

FABIO WARDLEY VS. DANIEL DUBOIS | WEIGH-IN

 

FABIO WARDLEY AND DANIEL DUBOIS GETS INTO A HEATED ROW OVER 'BINDMAN' COMMENTS

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois will not need all 12 rounds in their heavyweight title fight. Photo: Queensberry Promotions

Daniel Dubois accuses Fabio Wardley of being disrespectful

Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) addressed Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) over his disrespectful comments during yesterday's final press conference in Manchester, ahead of their May 9 world heavyweight championship clash, "By the way, I heard you call me the dust man, and I'm gonna collect the trash, boy!"

During a fight week interview, the WBO world heavyweight champion was asked to assign Dubois an occupation in a playful scenario where he wasn't a professional boxer. Wardley guessed that he would likely be a binman.

Dubois did not take the comment well, "Na, it's disrespect, so I'm going to put it right in the ring, boy. I'm gonna bust his bubble anyway. That's what I've got to do."

Wardley replied back, "What did you say, dustman? I didn't call you the dustman. Someone asked me what you might have as a job and I said, 'He might be a binman'.

"There was no negative with that, don't let other people get into your head and tell you what it comes across like," Fabio advised.

Dubois interrupted him, "Na, I heard what you said. It's disrespect."

"You didn't hear it," Wardley quickly replied. "You didn't hear what I said because you don't run your own social media. So you didn't hear it. You let other people talk to you and tell you what you should be like. It wasn't like that. I just asked what job you might have and I said a binman. I didn't say it was a bad job."

A former recruitment consultant, Ipswich's Wardley is unbeaten in 21 contests and has won English, British, Commonwealth, two Interim world titles, and a WBO World heavyweight title, which is remarkable considering he had just four white collar bouts behind him and didn't start boxing until his 20s.

Dubois is the opposite to that, he has been boxing since he was a kid, had a stellar amateur career winning 69 from 75 bouts, collecting national and international titles. He turned pro to much acclaim after famously dropping the reigning IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in sparring as a teenager. Promoter Frank Warren built him with the moniker #everybelt, which came to fruition as he currently has at least 14 titles in his trophy cabinet, which includes the WBA Regular and IBF World heavyweight titles.

Their collision this Saturday night in Manchester is set to produce fireworks with both explosive heavyweights sharing a powerful 95% HO ratio, hence why the event is called, 'Don't Blink'.

- Tim Rickson

FIVE BOXERS TYSON FURY COULD FACE BEFORE ANTHONY JOSAHUA FIGHT AS FRANK WARREN CONFIRMS PLANS

Fans could see Tyson Fury back in the ring before a blockbuster fight against Anthony Joshua later this year... but against who?

Tyson Fury is set to fight Anthony Joshua(Image: (Mark Robinson/Getty Images))

1. The heavyweights in the frame: Staying active: Tyson Fury has reportedly instructed Frank Warren to secure an interim date to avoid the ring rust that plagued his early rounds against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It has been said that the Gypsy King feels that a second training camp this year could be essential for his mental discipline and physical conditioning before facing a revitalised Joshua.

2. Makhmudov rematch: A second bout with Makhmudov may remain a viable fallback option given the Russian's durability and the commercial success of their first encounter on Netflix. While Fury won convincingly on the scorecards, Makkmudov's early aggression provided the exact type of hair-raising moments that keep the public engaged.

3. Big Bang threat: Zhilei Zhang stands out as a highly feasible candidate because his southpaw stance and massive power would offer Fury the ultimate tactical dress rehearsal. Despite being in the twilight of his career, 'Big Bang' remains a top-tier gatekeeper whose involvement would draw massive international viewership and test Fury's defensive reflexes.

4. The Bakole challenge: Choosing Martin Bakole would silence critics who claim Fury is looking for an easy touch, as the Congolese giant possesses the engine and physical size to make every round a gruelling chore. The 32-year-old hasn't fought since his draw against Efe Ajagba in May 2025.

5. Joshua's risky tune-up: Anthony Joshua is set to face the Albanian Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on July 25, a fight that Frank Warren warned could "kill" the Fury bout if an upset occurs. Because Prenga boasts a formidable knockout ratio, the entire 2026 boxing calendar rests on Joshua successfully navigating this dangerous hurdle without sustaining an injury.

6. WBC interim situation: Agit Kabayel currently holds a position of power as the WBC interim champion, making a fight with Fury logically consistent for the governing body's rankings. A victory over Kabayel would allow Fury to walk into the Joshua fight as the undisputed focus of the WBC, removing any political obstacles regarding mandatory challengers.

7. British domestic clash: Fabio Wardley remains a dark horse for the interim slot due to his recent surge in popularity and his status as a fellow Queensberry-promoted fighter. A domestic showdown with Wardley - who faces Daniel Dubois next week - would serve as a perfect "Battle of Britain" appetiser, though some believe the risk of a domestic upset is too high for such a late stage in negotiations.

8. Timing and logistics: The proposed interim fight would likely need to take place in late summer or early autumn to allow for a three-month recovery and preparation window before the Joshua clash. This tight turnaround requires an opponent who is already in active training and ready to sign a contract without prolonged promotional disputes.

9. Saudi Arabian backing: Most of these potential matchups are contingent on the support of Riyadh Season, which has become the primary financial engine for the heavyweight division's biggest events. Regardless of whether the fight lands in London or Saudi Arabia, the organisers are keen to ensure both Fury and Joshua enter their final 2026 clash at their absolute best.

10. READ THE FULL STORY ON ANTHONY JOSHUA'S DIG AT TYSON FURY: Tyson Fury immediately takes dig from Anthony Joshua as two fights announced

- Fasika Zelealem

FABIO WARDLEY TARGETED FOR SHOCK HEAVYWEIGHT MEGA FIGHT IN FIRST TITLE DEFENCE

Ipswich fighter Fabio Wardley is the newest champion in the heavyweight division.

Wardley did not win the belt in the ring in 2025, though he did put on two impressive displays following an impressive first-round KO of Frazer Clarke in their rematch in late 2024.

The first saw him come from behind on the cards, having been largely outboxed in the early rounds, to land some huge shots on Justis Huni and KO him late on.

When he stepped up to fight for a mandatory position to challenge Oleksandr Usyk against the in-form Joseph Parker, much the same happened. Wardley, who has only a white collar background in the sport, was falling behind on the cards as Parker boxed smart, but landed a big right hand late on and the referee was forced to stop the fight.

When undisputed champion Usyk vacated his WBO rather than defend against new mandatory Wardley, the Brit was elevated to full champion late last year.

He is now looking to make some big defences in 2026 and Boxing Scene has shared that former WBC ruler Tyson Fury is “up for challenging WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley” along with his latest post on social media claiming he is in for a big year.

“Big smoke for the GK after a long lay off could be an option for later in 2026 God willing.”

Fury was retired for all of 2025 following two consecutive losses to Usyk in 2024, but is now back in training and looking to return to the ring. Wardley has responded, expressing a keen interest in the match-up.

- Kristan Caryl

JOSEPH PARKER FACES POSSIBLE TWO YEAR SUSPENSION AFTER COCAINE APPEARS IN PRE FIGHT TESTING

A pre fight test collected on the day of the Fabio Wardley contest reportedly detected cocaine, creating uncertainty about Joseph Parker’s immediate future in the heavyweight division.

Joseph Parker - Image credit @joeboxerparker Instagram

Joseph Parker, New Zealand’s former WBO interim heavyweight champion, is facing a possible boxing suspension after a pre-fight drug test returned positive for cocaine. The sample was collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) on October 25, the same day Parker fought Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.

Traces of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine were detected. This substance can remain in the system for approximately four days, suggesting exposure occurred during fight week.

Parker’s promoter David Higgins and VADA have been contacted for comment. Parker is currently on holiday and has not responded publicly.

B-Sample And Regulatory Process

Parker can request his B-sample be tested, though historically these results match the A-sample. The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency findings will be reviewed by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

Cocaine, classified as a recreational drug rather than performance-enhancing, could result in a maximum two-year suspension. If Parker proves no negligence or intent, the ban could be reduced to a shorter period.

The 33-year-old has a distinguished career, facing top heavyweights including Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Dillian Whyte. Parker lost to Joshua and Whyte in 2018 but defeated Wilder in 2023.

Parker captured the WBO interim heavyweight title in 2024 by defeating Zhilei Zhang, recovering from two knockdowns to secure the decision. He was scheduled to fight then-IBF champion Daniel Dubois in February 2025, but Dubois withdrew due to illness. Parker instead defended his interim title against Martin Bakole, stopping him in two rounds.

Parker entered the Wardley fight as a favorite but was stopped in the 11th round. The result caused some controversy, as many believed the referee ended the bout prematurely, and Parker was leading on points at the time.

Prior to Wardley, Parker was positioned as a leading contender to face undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2026. His loss now complicates that trajectory.

Statement From Promotions

Queensberry Promotions, led by Frank Warren, released a brief statement regarding the failed test:

“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association [VADA] last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25 in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley. While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time.”

Parker’s positive test comes amid a period of resurgence. After a 2022 loss to Joe Joyce, he won six consecutive bouts, including victories over Wilder, Zhang, and Bakole, re-establishing himself as a top contender.

With Usyk recovering from injury and Wardley now emerging as a leading contender, Parker’s suspension could delay his return to title contention. Despite this setback, Parker has indicated he intends to continue competing once eligible, leaving the door open for potential high-profile matchups in the heavyweight division.

- Jake Blend

JOSEPH PARKER VS. FABIO WARDLEY UNDERCARD: COMPLETE LIST OF FIGHTS BEFORE 2025 HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING MATCH

Queensberry/Leigh Dawney

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk looms large over Saturday's heavyweight showdown between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley in London.

Parker holds the interim WBO crown and, more pertinently, that sanctioning body is next on the rotation as Usyk's due mandatory defence.

The Ukrainian great is due to return to action in the first half of 2026 and Frank Warren, who promotes both Parker and Wardley under his Queensberry banner, said this week that Usyk intends to face the winner of this battle of the big men at the O2 Arena.

Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) has done everything asked of him, defeating Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole as part of a six-fight winning streak since losing to Joe Joyce in September 2022.

The 33-year-old New Zealander could simply have bided his time and waited for Usyk, but itchy knuckles have come into play. A two-round blowout against overweight late replacement Bakole in February — Parker was due to face then IBF champion Daniel Dubois before the Englishman endured a summer demolition under Usyk's fists at Wembley — is his only action since climbing off the canvas and going the distance with Zhang last March.

Parker and his trainer Andy Lee believed that was no preparation for Usyk, so they're putting their position up for grabs against Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs), whose explosive power was on full display when he lost almost every round against Justis Huni at Portman Road before laying him out with a sledgehammer right hand.

"I'm only getting into my prime now. Credit to Wardley for taking this fight, but it's the wrong time to be taking this fight because I'm going to smash him," Parker told a pre-fight press conference.

On the undercard, two cruiserweights jostle for their place in the world title mix, while two undefeated Brits put their 0s on the line.

Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley undercard 

Here's a breakdown of all the action on the Parker vs. Wardley card:

Juergen Uldedaj vs. Rolly Lambert

Division/Weight: Cruiserweight

Uldedaj record: 20-1

Lambert record: 18-3-1

Belts at stake: IBO Cruiserweight title (vacant)

The lightly regarded IBO strap is not the end goal for either of these men, with the undefeated Uldedaj starting as favourite.

Two stoppages in his past three fights show overdue evidence of the German-based Albanian sitting down on his punches. Cameroon's Lambert has gone the distance in all three of his career defeats and won his past two fights, so he should provide a good barometer of how Uldedaj's power is developing.

Ezra Taylor vs. Steed Woodall

Division/Weight: Light Heavyweight

Taylor record: 12-0

Woodall record: 20-3-1

Belts at stake: N/A

Woodall comes in as a late replacement for British and Commonwealth champion Lewis Edmondson, who suffered a hip injury during the final stage of his preparations.

Hopefully, that intriguing match can be remade as both men jostle for position in Britain's most talent-stacked division. The undefeated Taylor must avoid any slip-ups to make that a reality, while a ninth career stoppage would make a suitable statement.

Danny Quartermaine vs. Royston Barney-Smith

Division/Weight: Super Featherweight

Quartermaine record:13-0-1

Barney-Smith record: 14-0

Belts at stake: IBF and WBO European Super Featherweight titles

Quartermaine ventures out of his native Coventry to face a man seven years his junior, who has been carefully positioned by Queensberry.

Barney-Smith, AKA 'Sugar Boy Roy', has racked up the wins since turning pro as a teenager, but Quartermaine should be by far his toughest assignment to date.

Mitchell Smith vs. Arnie Dawson

Division/Weight: Lightweight

Smith record: 18-1-0

Dawson record: 8-0

It's been a tumultuous decade since Smith was named Young Boxer of the Year by the Boxing Writers' Club in 2015. A tilt at world honours felt inevitable, but a shock points defeat to George Jupp in December of that year began a downward spiral for the Londoner.

The former super featherweight has been in prison three times, battled drink and drugs and his weight ballooned to 110kg. Smith only boxed once between May 2017 and last December. Now, back down closer to his prime fighting weight, he faces his first significant bout since Jupp and a true test of this would-be boxing redemption story.

Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley tune-in info

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Location: O2 Arena, London

Time: 5 p.m. 

Main event start time (approx.): 10 p.m.

Live stream: DAZN PPV

The Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley fight card will be available via DAZN PPV at a price of $59.99.

Non-subscribers buying the PPV get seven days of free access to the entire DAZN platform. A new customer buying the PPV and a DAZN annual subscription will get the first month of their subscription free.

A DAZN monthly subscription is $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $29.99 month-to-month in the United States. The annual subscription is $224.99.

- DOM FARRELL