"Offensive to call it a free shot!" Dubois-Wardley rematch row erupts

Fabio Wardley's manager Mike Ofo has launched a scathing response after Daniel Dubois' advisor Sam Jones raised doubts about the heavyweight rematch.

Wardley activated a clause for an immediate rematch after Dubois claimed the WBO heavyweight title with an 11th round stoppage win in a thrilling fight in Manchester in May.

The Ipswich boxer had floored Dubois twice in the early rounds before being halted on the ropes, but Jones has questioned Wardley's desire to take a swift return bout.

• Latest boxing headlines, reports, highlights and interviews
• Boxing in 2026: Key dates, results and upcoming schedule
• Get Sky Sports or stream boxing and more with no contract

Jones told Sky Sports: "I don't think it's a wise decision, but when it's a free shot at the world heavyweight title, he's probably thinking, 'I don't want to come back and have a comeback fight for not so much good money'.

"He's used to making millions of pounds, so he's thinking a free shot of the world heavyweight title.

"It's a rematch clause that they put in, rightfully so. I'd have done exactly the same. But when you take a hiding like that, it can be dangerous. But let's see what happens.

"We'll know in more than a couple of weeks what Daniel's going to do. But if it's Fabio Wardley, I would just imagine Daniel to beat him a lot quicker this time."

Wardley's manager Ofo insists the rematch will go ahead and clarified that Wardley did not sustain any serious injuries in the first fight.

Ofo told Sky Sports: "I find it offensive to call it a "free shot."

"If anyone had a free shot, it was Daniel coming off a loss to Usyk.

"If Jones was in the loop, he would know that the fight is going to take place. Fabio is still firmly in the driver's seat while Jones is not even a passenger in the car from the content of his bleating.

"Fabio had no major injuries, no concussion just cosmetic damage. Daniel threw everything, including the kitchen sink, and still couldn't put Fabio down. Fabio does not fear Daniel, and I fully expect him to learn from his mistakes and knock Daniel out next time."

Jones remains confident that Dubois will emerge victorious when he resumes his rivalry with Wardley.

"I have so much time and admiration for Fabio Wardley," said Jones. "He's a one-off with his lack of amateur experience.

"He's a 'Rocky' story. But I just believe that Daniel is a better fighter than Fabio Wardley, better fundamentals, bigger puncher, stronger than him. I just think Daniel Dubois is better than him.

"But Fabio Wardley has an equaliser. He showed he can hurt Daniel. He put him down twice. But they were his only moments in the fight, in my opinion.

"I think Daniel ended up giving him a right beating in the fight. Let's see what happens. But Fabio's a really good man. I wish him all the best. If he fights Daniel next, we'll see him soon.

"If he doesn't, then I wish him all the best in his amazing career."

But Ofo has backed Wardley to regain his WBO belt with an emphatic victory.

"Jones' assessment holds no weight and is more a reflection of his inflated ego than of what actually took place," said Ofo.

"What is cogent is that it was a great fight between two warriors, and Fabio has every intention of winning his belt back in dramatic fashion.

"Jones is just a ventriloquist's dummy for Stan Dubois, doing what he's told. He's only licensed to talk rubbish as he's not a licensed boxing manager.

"But it's not about us; the focus should be on the fighters and the rematch, which is going to be another fight of the year and nobody will be disappointed."