Brief
Dubois eyes Usyk showdown after 17‑second knockout of Wardley
The British heavyweight champion said a bout with the Ukrainian great is his next priority.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Daniel Dubois knocked out Fabio Wardley in the second round of their O2 Arena rematch on 17 October, prompting the 29‑year‑old to declare his intention to fight Oleksandr Usyk next, the Independent reported.
Dubois opened the bout with a rapid assault, sending Wardley to the canvas after just 17 seconds. Referee Steve Gray halted the contest in the second round as Wardley continued to absorb heavy punishment. The victory cemented Dubois’s position at the top of the heavyweight division and sparked his call for a trilogy fight with former champion Usyk.
"Definitely, definitely – I’d love that," Dubois told the Independent. "We’re coming out on top this time. We’ve made our mistakes and we’re coming out on top. I want to continue the momentum I’ve got from this fight and take it into the next one. I’ll fight whoever is next in line, whoever pays the most cash!"
Usyk, who gave up the WBC, WBA and IBF belts after a late stoppage of kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May, remains active. Promoter Frank Warren said he is ready to "get him back into the equation" and hinted at a possible clash with Dubois.
Potential opponents for Dubois beyond Usyk include the winner of the Tyson Fury‑Anthony Joshua bout on 11 December, IBF champion Filip Hrgović, WBC holder Agit Kabayel and WBA champion Murat Gassiev. Warren added that an undisputed champion could emerge within 18 months through a series of unification fights.
Wardley, who suffered his second career defeat, vowed to return but his future in the division is uncertain after two losses to Dubois and the damage he sustained.
Key facts
- Dubois knocked out Wardley in the second round at the O2 Arena on 17 October. (independent.co.uk)
- Dubois said he wants a fight with Oleksandr Usyk next. (independent.co.uk)
- Usyk relinquished the WBC, WBA and IBF belts after a May stoppage of Rico Verhoeven. (independent.co.uk)
- Promoter Frank Warren said he will try to bring Usyk back into the heavyweight equation. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Dubois targets revenge fight after brutal Wardley knockout”
