Brief
Daniel Dubois stops Fabio Wardley in two rounds to claim undisputed heavyweight status
Dubois defeated Wardley in a 17‑second knockout rematch, prompting him to proclaim himself the new champion‑elect.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley in a two‑round stoppage at the O2 Arena on 17 October, announcing himself as the undisputed heavyweight champion‑elect, Daily Mail reported.
What happened
The rematch began with Dubois landing a right‑hand that stunned Wardley within the opening seconds. Wardley was knocked down and, after a brief recovery, his corner threw in the towel before the end of the second round. The referee did not delay the stoppage. Dubois’ power was described as “sledgehammer blows” that left Wardley unable to continue.
What the reports add
The article notes that Wardley had previously lost the WBO title to Dubois five months earlier, and that this second encounter ended even more decisively. It also mentions that other heavyweight contenders such as Filip Hrgović, Agit Kabayel and the winner of the upcoming December WBA clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua were observing the fight, suggesting future match‑up possibilities.
What was said
Dubois said, “Fabio is a great boy, coming in for the second time, but it was my time, and my era,” and later added, “I’m the champion now, and I want to get some big fights in… big money, big fights.” Both quotes are attributed to Dubois in the Daily Mail piece.
How it came about
The bout was a rematch following Dubois’ earlier victory over Wardley, which had stripped Wardley of the WBO belt. Dubois entered the fight after a six‑fight roadmap he outlined earlier in October, aiming to become the second heavyweight to hold all major belts. The O2 Arena, where the fight took place, had previously hosted Dubois’ title win.
Key facts
- Daniel Dubois knocked out Fabio Wardley in the second round at the O2 Arena on 17 October 2026. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Wardley’s corner threw in the towel before the end of round two. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Dubois declared himself the undisputed heavyweight champion‑elect after the victory. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Dubois quoted saying he wants "big fights" and "big money" moving forward. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Daniel Dubois announced himself as the undisputed champion-elect”
