Fabio Wardley Title Defense Against Daniel Dubois Nearly Set for May 9th
By Eddie Sanchez
The rumored return for WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley is near, and former IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois is said to be the leading contender.
Rumors are spreading that an announcement from Queensberry Promotions could be made as early as this week, with the British heavyweights set to fight on May 9 in Manchester.
Wardley was elevated to the title holder following his defeat of Joseph Parker in a WBO eliminator, with champion Oleksandr Usyk relinquishing the belt shortly after.
Dubois fought just once in 2025, losing a rematch to Usyk at Wembley Stadium in July, though he is poised for another title fight.
This week on his social media channels, Dubois’ account posted: “Let’s go Fabio Wardley. Sign the contract and lets get it on.”
Duboishas put together an impressive run in the division, having twice lost to Usyk but having defeated Anthony Joshua, Filip Hrgovic, and Jarrell Miller following a 2020 loss to Joe Joyce due to an eye injury.
Wardley has secured his seat in the WBO throne impressively as well. Following a few white-collar fights, he turned pro and is now 20-0-1 (19 KO), with a stoppage of Joseph Parker seemingly setting him up for financial success.
Dubois is ranked #4 by the WBO, at #2 by the WBC, #10 by the IBF.
A matchup between the two heavy punchers would be a welcome sight for the division.
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