Daniel Dubois stuns Fabio Wardley with 11th-round TKO to claim WBO heavyweight title

Daniel Dubois was knocked down twice early in his heavyweight title fight against Fabio Wardley, but he was still able to emerge victorious. Matt McNulty / Getty Images Share article1Daniel Dubois labelled himself a “warrior” on Saturday night after he ruined Fabio Wardley’s dreams of fighting Oleksandr Usyk by taking the WBO heavyweight title from him in a classic bout that will certainly be a contender for fight of the year. It’s a fight that could also soon have a sequel, after promoter Frank Warren confirmed immediately afterwards that there is a rematch clause in the contract. Dubois, 28, got the stoppage in the 11th round of a brutal and bloody battle that had fans inside an electric Co-Op Live on their feet throughout in Manchester, England. The Londoner picked himself up off the canvas twice — in the first round when he was floored by the first significant punch of the fight, and again in the third — then powered on, regained his composure and broke down the defending champion in impressive fashion. Wardley, 31, had never lost in 21 bouts before Saturday, and somehow withstood numerous onslaughts from Dubois (23-3) without ever touching the canvas in a remarkable display of courage. But the Ipswich fighter’s right eye was swollen almost shut, and blood was pouring from his bruised nose when another big right hand in the 11th forced referee Howard Foster to step in. Warren confirmed that Wardley will get the chance for immediate revenge — should he wish to take it. Dubois is now a two-time world heavyweight champion. He came into this bout on the back of a loss to Usyk last summer when he surrendered the IBF title. Usyk was previously the holder of the WBO title, but he relinquished it to explore more lucrative fights than facing Wardley. Now the belt is in Dubois’ possession. “It was a war,” Dubois told DAZN. “Thank you, Fabio, for that. “It shuts up the naysayers, I’ve got bundles of heart. I’m a warrior. The first knockdown was a flash knockdown, bounced it off and came back harder. I’m a warrior. “What a great battle. I’m No 1 again. It was an honour to be in the ring with Fabio”. Dubois has been plagued by doubts about his heart throughout his career, from his first defeat to Joe Joyce and even after he lost twice to the sensational Usyk. This was a night when he silenced those critics. Dubois could have wilted early on when he was put down in the first and the third. Yet when he did touch down in the third round, he showed serious composure to step back and almost take himself down to stop Wardley from going for the finish. Dubois soon took over the contest, piling forward throughout with solid one-twos that continually rocked Wardley (20-1-1). The bravery shown by the now former champion was exceptional. His facial injuries were grotesque, and twice the referee summoned the ringside doctor to have a look, but, to his credit, Wardley never looked for a way out. Dubois paced after Wardley like he was prey, but there was always the risk of him firing back, and he did so often. Both men tired as the bout progressed, but Dubois always seemed to have that bit more in the tank when they traded to come off the better of the two. Dubois hurt Wardley with a big right several times, yet the Ipswich fighter wobbled on the ropes and somehow found it in him to throw back as the referee appeared poised to step in. Foster could have stopped it earlier, and perhaps Wardley’s corner should have thrown in the towel. Rematch clauses are often met with disdain for holding up the winner, but surely few will complain about watching this again, should Wardley want it. Dubois may have said he’s No. 1, but that honour remains with WBA, WBC and IBF title holder Usyk, of course. Yet he showed in this fight that he’s a brilliant heavyweight and a world champion again in what was his 23rd win in his 26th fight. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms