Fabio Wardley Triggers Rematch Clause After Loss to Daniel Dubois
British heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has officially activated his contractual rematch clause following an 11th-round stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in Manchester. Dubois recovered from two early knockdowns to win the WBO heavyweight title, marking Wardley’s first professional defeat. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the clause, setting the stage for a high-profile domestic rivalry. While no specific date is set, the rematch is anticipated before the end of 2026. Wardley expressed determination to correct his mistakes and reclaim the championship belt in this significant upcoming bout.
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Wardley Triggers Rematch Clause After Loss to Dubois
British heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has officially triggered a contractual clause for an immediate rematch against WBO heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. The announcement follows their recent bout in Manchester, where Dubois secured an 11th-round technical knockout victory to claim the title. Despite suffering two early knockdowns, Dubois recovered to dominate the later stages of the fight, causing significant facial injuries to Wardley, including a broken nose and swollen eye. This match marked Wardley's first professional defeat after rising from white-collar boxing to championship status within a decade. Promoter Frank Warren, who represents both fighters under the Queensberry banner, confirmed the existence of the rematch clause and praised the contest as one of the best heavyweight fights he has promoted. Dubois, now a two-time heavyweight champion, previously held the IBF title before losing to Oleksandr Usyk. Wardley expressed determination to rectify his mistakes in the upcoming rematch, acknowledging Dubois's victory while asserting his intent to reclaim the belt.
Daily TimesDaniel Dubois to Rematch Fabio Wardley After Former Champ Activates Clause
Heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois is set to face Fabio Wardley in a highly anticipated rematch after Wardley exercised his contractual right to a second bout. The announcement follows Dubois's victory over Wardley for the WBO heavyweight title at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England. The initial fight, described as a frontrunner for 2026's Fight of the Year, saw Wardley knock Dubois down early before Dubois recovered to secure a stoppage victory in the 11th round. Promoter Queensberry aims to organize the sequel for the final quarter of 2026. Wardley acknowledged mistakes in the first encounter but expressed confidence in rectifying them, stating his intention to reclaim the belt. Despite concerns about the physical toll Wardley endured during the brutal contest, particularly in the later rounds, the former champion remains determined. This rematch promises to be a significant event in the heavyweight division, drawing attention from fans eager to see if Wardley can overcome Dubois's power or if Dubois will cement his status as the dominant champion.
yahoo sportsFabio Wardley Activates Rematch Clause Against Daniel Dubois
British heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has officially activated his contractual rematch clause to seek a second bout against Daniel Dubois, following his recent loss of the WBO World Heavyweight Title. The initial fight, held on May 9, 2026, in Manchester, England, ended in a late-round stoppage victory for Dubois, despite Wardley dropping him twice in the early rounds. Wardley confirmed his decision to Sky Sports, stating that while he made mistakes in the first encounter, he intends to rectify them in the upcoming rematch. He issued a direct challenge to Dubois, declaring, "I’m coming for you… and my belt!" Frank Warren, promoter for Queensberry, verified the activation of the clause and expressed confidence that the sequel would be a strong contender for Fight of the Year. Both parties are expected to collaborate on organizing the event, which is anticipated to occur later in 2026. Wardley is currently recovering from superficial facial injuries sustained during the first fight but did not require hospitalization. This development sets the stage for a highly anticipated return to the ring for both fighters as they vie for the heavyweight championship.
yahoo sportsWardley Activates Rematch Clause After Loss to Dubois for WBO Heavyweight Title
British heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has officially activated his contractual rematch clause following his defeat to Daniel Dubois for the WBO World Heavyweight Title. The initial bout, held at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester on May 9, 2026, ended in the 11th round with Wardley suffering significant injuries but refusing to quit. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the existence of the clause, and Wardley verified its activation in an interview with Sky Sports. Wardley acknowledged mistakes in the first fight and expressed determination to rectify them to reclaim his belt, though no date for the rematch has been set. Meanwhile, the broader heavyweight division spotlight shifts to Oleksandr Usyk, who is scheduled to fight Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on May 23. Usyk currently holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles. Notably, the IBF has stated that its title will be declared vacant immediately if Usyk loses this upcoming match, adding high stakes to the Egyptian event while Wardley prepares for his return against Dubois.
Latest NewsWardley Activates Rematch Clause Against Dubois After Title Loss
British heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has officially activated his contractual rematch clause against Daniel Dubois following his recent loss of the WBO heavyweight title. The initial contest, held in Manchester, saw Wardley suffer early setbacks, including knockdowns within the first ten seconds and again in the third round. Despite these difficulties, Wardley recovered temporarily before Dubois secured an 11th-round stoppage victory in what was Wardley's first title defense. Wardley, fighting out of Ipswich, confirmed via Sky Sports that he is triggering the option for a second bout, which is anticipated to occur before the end of 2026. He acknowledged his performance errors but emphasized his resilience and determination to reclaim the belt. Wardley praised Dubois's victory while asserting his intent to correct his mistakes in the upcoming rematch. This development sets the stage for a high-profile domestic rivalry continuation in the heavyweight division, with both fighters expected to prepare for a decisive second encounter to determine the undisputed champion status between them.
yahoo sportsWardley Triggers Rematch Clause After Loss to WBO Champion Dubois
British heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has officially triggered a contractual clause for an immediate rematch against WBO heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. The announcement follows Wardley's first professional defeat, which occurred in Manchester on Saturday when Dubois stopped him in the 11th round. Despite suffering two early knockdowns, Dubois recovered to secure the victory, becoming a two-time heavyweight champion after previously losing his IBF title to Oleksandr Usyk in 2025. Both fighters are represented by Queensberry Promotions, with promoter Frank Warren describing the bout as the best heavyweight fight he has ever promoted. Wardley, who had risen from white-collar boxing to the world stage within a decade, acknowledged mistakes in his performance but expressed confidence in rectifying them for the upcoming rematch. He sustained significant facial injuries, including a damaged nose and swollen eye, during the contest. Dubois, now holding the WBO belt, improves his professional record to 23 wins out of 26 fights. The rematch clause ensures that the rivalry between the two British heavyweights will continue immediately, keeping the heavyweight division in the spotlight.
yahoo sportsWardley Triggers Rematch Clause After Loss to Dubois
British heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has officially activated a contractual clause securing an immediate rematch against WBO heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. This announcement follows their recent title bout in Manchester, where Dubois retained his status by defeating Wardley via an 11th-round stoppage. Despite suffering two early knockdowns during the fight, Dubois managed to recover and ultimately dethrone Wardley, handing him his first professional defeat. Both athletes are represented by Queensberry Promotions, and promoter Frank Warren verified the existence of the rematch clause shortly after the contest concluded. Wardley, who expressed confidence in his character and resilience, acknowledged mistakes made during the initial fight but vowed to correct them in the upcoming bout. He congratulated Dubois while firmly stating his intention to reclaim the championship belt. Wardley's journey from white-collar boxing to becoming a world champion within a decade makes this potential rematch a significant narrative in the heavyweight division. The confirmation ensures that the rivalry between the two British fighters will continue immediately, keeping the heavyweight title picture active and engaging for fans.
BBC SportFabio Wardley Activates Rematch Clause After Loss to Daniel Dubois
British heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois is set for an immediate rematch against fellow Briton Fabio Wardley after Wardley activated a contractual rematch clause following his recent defeat. In their initial bout held in Manchester, Dubois recovered from two early knockdowns in rounds one and three to stop Wardley in the 11th round, thereby capturing the WBO heavyweight title. This victory marks Dubois's second stint as a world champion, having previously held the IBF title. Wardley, who suffered his first professional loss in the fight, stated his intention to rectify mistakes made during the match and reclaim the belt. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the existence of the clause, and Wardley has officially notified Sky Sports of his decision to trigger it. While no specific date has been announced, the rematch is expected to take place in late 2026. The initial fight was described as an instant classic, with both fighters sustaining visible injuries, including damage to Dubois's eye and aggravated issues for Wardley.
yahoo sportsFabio Wardley Triggers Rematch Clause After Loss to Daniel Dubois
British heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley has officially exercised his contractual rematch clause following his recent loss to Daniel Dubois for the WBO heavyweight title. The initial bout, held in Manchester, saw Wardley lose via an 11th-round stoppage despite knocking Dubois down twice in the early rounds. Dubois, who had previously lost to Oleksandr Usyk, staged a remarkable comeback to become a two-time heavyweight champion. Wardley’s team expressed dissatisfaction with the referee's handling of alleged illegal punches by Dubois during the fight. In a statement to Sky Sports, Wardley acknowledged his mistakes but vowed to rectify them in the upcoming rematch, asserting his intent to reclaim the belt. Promoter Frank Warren praised the contest as one of the best heavyweight fights he has organized. While the exact date for the rematch has not been set, it is anticipated to occur before the end of the calendar year. This development ensures continued high-profile interest in the British heavyweight division as the two fighters prepare for their second encounter.
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