Wardley earned interim honors with a stoppage of Joseph Parker in October 2025 and was later recognized as full WBO champion. He built his run on pressure, short hooks inside, and a right hand that carries late. At 31, he trusts his gas tank and his ability to hold his feet when the exchanges turn rough.
Asked about holding a world title, Wardley said: “I’m immensely proud of myself for being able to achieve that and pull that off, but it’s not just me. It’s the team around me that supports me with their faith and belief.”
The sharper comments came when Dubois’ name was raised.
“I rate Daniel highly and that’s why I picked him as an opponent. I want to be remembered as a fighter who never ducked anyone or shirked a challenge. My power is proven, first round, last round. Our records prove that when things get dicey, he isn’t game for it, so we’re really going to see on the night who’s really got what it takes.”
Wardley is questioning Dubois’ response once he is forced to trade and reset under fire. At heavyweight, that is not theory. It shows up when a jab snaps the head back and the right hand follows.
Dubois, a former IBF titleholder, carries his own threat. He works behind a stiff jab and commits to the straight right when he sets his stance. When he lets combinations go with conviction, he can break opponents down quickly.
He made his intent clear.
“I need challenges where I am now in my career, I need the big names, the big fights. I am going to be up for this more than ever before. This is exciting. I see victory by knockout, victory by any means necessary. It’s called ‘Don’t Blink’ for a reason.”
Both men carry knockout ratios near ninety-five percent. The first fighter to establish the jab and hold center ring will control the early rounds. Once the pace rises, it becomes a test of composure and punch resistance.
Date: May 9
Start time: 7 pm UK / 2 pm ET
Streaming platform: DAZN
Venue: Co-op Live, Manchester
Fight card: Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois – WBO heavyweight title
Upcoming fights live on DAZN:
Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois; May 9, Manchester
Sugar Nunez vs. Emanuel Navarette; February 28, Phoenix
Mitchell vs. Rosado; light heavyweight, March 7, Derby
James Dickens vs. Anthony Cacace, March 14, Dublin
George Liddard vs. Tyler Denny; March 21, London
Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin Jr.; March 28, Manchester
Derek Chisora vs. Deontay Wilder; April 4, London
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