The all-British heavyweight clash takes place at Co-op Live in Manchester tonight
Category: Sports
Fabio Wardley will defend his WBO heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois on May 9, 2026, in Manchester, England, in a highly anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown. This match promises to deliver excitement as both fighters bring formidable records to the ring.
Wardley, who enters the bout unbeaten with a record of 20 wins, no losses, and one draw (20-0-1, 19 KOs), captured the interim WBO title last October after a dramatic 11th-round knockout of Joseph Parker. His victory over Parker was particularly notable as he was trailing on the scorecards before landing a decisive blow that secured the win. Following Oleksandr Usyk's decision to vacate the WBO title, Wardley was upgraded to full champion, setting the stage for this title defense against Dubois.
Dubois, on the other hand, comes into this fight with a record of 22 wins and 3 losses (22-3, 21 KOs). His last match was a disappointing stoppage loss to Usyk in July 2025, during which he lost the IBF title. Prior to that defeat, Dubois had been on an impressive three-fight winning streak, which included a victory over Filip Hrgovic to claim the IBF interim title in June 2024. This bout against Wardley is seen as a chance for Dubois to reclaim his status in the heavyweight division.
The fight will take place at the Co-op Live Arena, with the main card scheduled to start at 6:30 PM BST (1:30 PM ET), and ring walks for the main event expected around 11 PM BST (6 PM ET). Fans can watch the action live on DAZN pay-per-view for £24.99, with no subscription required to purchase the event.
Wardley’s rise to prominence has been marked by his resilience in the ring, particularly in his last two fights. He was down on the scorecards against both Justis Huni and Parker before executing late knockouts, demonstrating his ability to turn the tide in challenging situations. This fighting spirit has endeared him to fans and positioned him as a fighter to watch in the heavyweight scene.
Dubois, known for his knockout power, remains a formidable opponent even after his recent setback against Usyk. His career-high weight of 251.7 pounds for this fight indicates his commitment to being in peak condition as he seeks to reclaim his place among the elite heavyweights. The stakes are high for Dubois, who aims to bounce back and prove he is still a contender in the division.
The fight card also features several other notable bouts, including a light heavyweight clash between David Morrell and Zak Chelli, as well as Jack Rafferty taking on Ekow Essuman in a welterweight match. Heavyweight prospect Bakhodir Jalolov will face Agron Smakici, adding to the excitement of the evening.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, the outcome of the Wardley-Dubois fight could have major implications for both fighters' futures. A victory for Wardley could set him up for a potential title unification bout against Usyk or another top contender, solidifying his status in the division. For Dubois, a win would restore his confidence and re-establish him as a serious threat in the heavyweight ranks.
Boxing fans are eagerly awaiting the clash, with betting odds slightly favoring Wardley to retain his title. As the event draws near, anticipation builds for what will likely be an explosive encounter between two of Britain’s top heavyweights. The fight is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of heavyweight boxing.
With the fight just hours away, fans are gearing up for what could be a historic night in Manchester. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as both fighters prepare to step into the ring, each with their sights set on victory.
The main event is shaping up to be a highlight of the boxing calendar, and attention will turn to Wardley and Dubois as they seek to make their mark in the heavyweight division.