Dubois Stops Wardley in Second Round at O2 Arena Rematch

Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley by stopping the contest in the second round at London’s O2 Arena in their rematch. The rematch took place 157 days after the first fight between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley.

Referee Steve Grey waved off the contest in the second round at the same time trainer Ben Davison threw the towel. Dubois said of his mental state during the fight: “From the minute I put my gear on, I was in the zone.”

In their first encounter in May, Fabio Wardley was pulled out after 11 rounds, having dropped Daniel Dubois twice early in the contest.

Wardley reportedly admitted that his preparation for the Daniel Dubois rematch was not ideal. Dubois addressed Wardley, saying: “I know who I am… I refused to give up. So I guess the warrior’s mentality is always to come back and try harder, try again.”

Daniel Dubois, 29, has previously suffered defeats to Joe Joyce and to Oleksandr Usyk twice.

Dubois stated that he would fight whoever is next in line or whoever pays the most cash, while acknowledging that he had heard talk about a fight with Kabayel. “I’ve heard talk about Kabayel, but I would fight whoever’s next in line. Whoever pays the most cash.”

Promoter Frank Warren stated that Filip Hrgovic has a mandatory fight against Frank Sanchez. Warren stated that Agit Kabayel is scheduled to fight in November in Germany. Warren also stated that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled to fight for the WBA belt in December.

Dubois stated that 2027 would be a phenomenal year for heavyweight boxing, following a brilliant year in 2026. Warren is hoping to entice Oleksandr Usyk into the 2027 heavyweight unification mix.

What do you make of Daniel Dubois’ second-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley and the prospect of a 2027 heavyweight unification?