FABIO WARDLEY’S World title defence against Daniel Dubois was everything we expected and more.
Just ten seconds into the first round, Wardley knocked Dubois down, stunning the man from Greenwich.
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Fabio Wardley started the fight quick
Dubois was dropped with an overhand right hand
Wardley knocked down Dubois in just ten seconds
Dubois did survive the count Credit: Action Images via Reuters
Dubois appeared to be in significant trouble, sparking fears among fans in the arena of another “quitting” moment—a criticism he has faced in the past after being dropped.
However, what followed was a round of pure chaos, in which Dubois rugby-tackled Wardley to the ground.
You could hear the thudding impact as the two big men hit the canvas; it was absolute mayhem between the two Brits in the opening round.
Fans on social media were left stunned, with one posting: “This fight is already delivering in the first 10 seconds.”
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Another remarked: “Dubois down already. Wardley hunting. One flawed heavyweight on the floor.”
A third added: “Bro, is Wardley the UK Wilder?”
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Dubois and Wardley got into a clinch where they both fell to the canvas Credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire
Dubois rugby tackled Wardley during a clinch in the first round Credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire
With the WBO World Heavyweight title on the line, such a disastrous start for Dubois has created immediate concern in Don Charles’ corner.
It was an incredible start to a bout that many already believe to be the best fight of the year.
The Home of Boxing in 2026
There’s a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
Oleksandr Usyk takes on the king of kickboxing Rico Verhoeven and Fabio Wardley will defend his newly won heavyweight crown against fellow Brit Daniel Dubois.
Anthony Joshua returns to the ring in July to face Kristian Prenga ahead of a potential blockbuster bout against Tyson Fury later in the year.
Canelo Alvarez will be hoping to make a comeback after his defeat to Terence Crawford, while Dave Allen will also be looking to get back to winning ways against Filip Hrgovic.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of Moses Itauma, Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
Here’s all the big fights coming up…
May
Sat 9 – Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois – WBO title – DAZN PPV
Sat 16 – Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic – DAZN
Sat 23 – Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven – WBC title – DAZN
June
Sat 6 – Fame Fighting v Misfits Boxing – The Jattvibe
Sat 6 – Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello – WBC super lightweight title – DAZN
Sat 13 – Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall – DAZN
Sat 20 – Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi – DAZN
Sat 27 – Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – DAZN
July
Sat 25 – Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga – DAZN
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