Wardley Team Calls for Stronger Referee Ahead of Dubois Rematch

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are scheduled to rematch in London on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Wardley’s manager Michael Ofo said the team is calling for a stronger referee for the rematch.

Ofo accused Dubois of using MMA rugby tackles and putting his thumb out to paw in Wardley’s face to open up a cut during their first fight. “We’re calling for a stronger referee. Fabio’s too much of a gentleman to call those things out but my role is to highlight these things,” Ofo said.

Ofo stated that Wardley’s team raised concerns with the British Boxing Board of Control and requested a referee who would deal with the issues. “As much as it a was a fantastic fight, there were those issues that in the second fight could be the difference between Fabio winning and losing,” Ofo said.

Riz Khan, Dubois’ manager, stated that Wardley had a rematch clause and instigated it quickly. “Fabio had a rematch clause, and I was quite surprised that he instigated it really quickly,” Khan said.

The first fight between Wardley and Dubois took place in May. In that bout, Dubois stopped Wardley in Round 11 in Manchester. The stoppage made Dubois a two-time heavyweight champion and saw him claim the WBO belt.

Khan claimed that Dubois is stronger, fitter, sharper, and leaner than he was in the first fight. Khan stated that it is his personal opinion that Wardley is not fully healed from his injuries. Khan predicted that Dubois would knock Wardley out before Round 5.

What is your view on the referee concerns raised ahead of the Wardley-Dubois rematch in London?