Fabio Wardley is determined to settle unfinished business with Daniel Dubois as the two British heavyweight powerhouses prepare for a highly anticipated rematch for the WBO world heavyweight title at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, October 17.
After suffering the first defeat of his professional boxing career against Dubois in May, Wardley is returning with one clear objective: reclaim his world championship and prove that he can finish the job this time.
The 31-year-old challenger made his intentions clear during Friday’s weigh-in, predicting a knockout victory as he prepares to face the reigning champion for a second time. Wardley also weighed in at the heaviest point of his career, tipping the scales at 248.3 pounds (112.6 kilograms).
Dubois, meanwhile, came in heavier at 253.9 pounds (115.2 kilograms), giving the defending champion a weight advantage of approximately 5.6 pounds.
But the numbers tell only part of the story. Their first encounter demonstrated that both fighters possess the punching power and resilience to dramatically change the direction of a heavyweight contest.
A Brutal First Encounter That Changed Everything
Their initial showdown in Manchester in May 2026 delivered one of the year’s most dramatic heavyweight battles.
Wardley stunned Dubois by knocking him down twice, including an early knockdown within the opening seconds of the fight. The challenger appeared capable of producing a major upset as he repeatedly tested the champion’s ability to withstand heavy punches.
However, Dubois recovered from the early setbacks and gradually turned the fight around.
The defending champion eventually overwhelmed Wardley with sustained pressure and powerful combinations. With Wardley suffering significant facial injuries, including a badly damaged nose and a swollen right eye, the referee stepped in at the beginning of the 11th round.
Dubois secured an 11th-round technical knockout victory, taking Wardley’s WBO heavyweight championship and becoming a two-time world champion.
For Wardley, the defeat ended an unbeaten professional record. Rather than accept the result as the end of his championship ambitions, he immediately pursued another opportunity.
Wardley Believes He Can Correct His Mistakes
Wardley has maintained that he learned important lessons from the first fight and believes he can make the necessary adjustments in the rematch.
His confidence comes partly from the success he enjoyed early in their previous encounter, when he managed to put Dubois on the canvas twice.
The challenger has indicated that he intends to build on those moments rather than allow the champion to dictate the pace of the contest.
His knockout prediction also reflects his belief that another opportunity to hurt Dubois could be decisive.
However, repeating his early success will not be easy. Dubois demonstrated remarkable recovery and determination in their first meeting, proving that he could absorb significant punishment and still come back to win.
Dubois Enters as Champion With More to Prove
For Dubois, the rematch represents an opportunity to reinforce his position among boxing’s leading heavyweight contenders.
The 29-year-old champion has already demonstrated his ability to recover from adversity, particularly after surviving Wardley’s early knockdowns before securing the stoppage.
He has also experienced major championship contests against established heavyweight names, including Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua and Joe Joyce.
Dubois has made it clear that he expects another demanding battle and is focused on getting past Wardley before pursuing bigger opportunities in the heavyweight division.
A second consecutive victory would give him a 2-0 record against Wardley and strengthen his position as the WBO champion.
A Heavyweight Rivalry With Major Championship Consequences
The stakes extend beyond personal revenge.
The WBO heavyweight championship is on the line, making Saturday’s contest particularly important for both fighters’ careers.
For Wardley, victory would mean avenging the only professional defeat on his record and reclaiming the world title he lost just five months earlier.
For Dubois, successfully defending the championship would further establish his second reign as a world heavyweight champion.
The result could also influence the direction of the heavyweight division, where several major championship opportunities and potential unification fights remain possible.
With both men known for their knockout power, the rematch carries the potential for another explosive encounter.
Wardley wants redemption. Dubois wants to prove that his first victory was no accident.
And with the championship at stake, neither fighter can afford to leave the biggest questions unanswered.
The stage is set for another all-British heavyweight showdown in London, with Wardley determined to turn revenge into a championship comeback and Dubois prepared to defend everything he fought to regain.
