{"id":767625,"date":"2026-02-16T05:57:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T05:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/767625\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T05:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T05:57:16","slug":"fabio-wardley-set-for-explosive-first-wbo-world-title-defence-against-former-ibf-holder-daniel-dubois-in-blockbuster-british-bout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/767625\/","title":{"rendered":"Fabio Wardley set for explosive first WBO world title defence against former IBF holder Daniel Dubois in blockbuster British bout"},"content":{"rendered":"

By CHARLOTTE DALY, MULTIMEDIA CONTENT REPORTER<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 15:24 EST, 15 February 2026 | Updated: 15:25 EST, 15 February 2026 <\/p>\n

British heavyweight boxing is set for a major domestic collision after it was confirmed that unbeaten champion Fabio Wardley will make the first defence of his WBO world title against former IBF holder Daniel Dubois<\/a> in a high-risk, high-power showdown in Manchester this May.<\/p>\n

The pair will meet at the new Co-op Live on Saturday, May 9, with the bout broadcast live worldwide on DAZN in what promoters are billing as one of the most explosive match-ups available in the division.<\/p>\n

It is a fight that brings together two of Britain\u2019s most dangerous punchers, with a combined knockout ratio north of 90 per cent and only one fight each going the distance across their professional careers – raising the strong likelihood that the contest will be settled inside the distance.<\/p>\n

Wardley, 30, was upgraded to full WBO champion after stopping Joseph Parker<\/a> in dramatic fashion last October, capping a rapid rise that has seen him move from white-collar boxing to world champion in just a handful of years.<\/p>\n

The Ipswich<\/a> fighter has built a reputation as a late-fight finisher, most notably in comeback wins over Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke.<\/p>\n

Rather than take a lower-risk first defence, Wardley has opted to face one of the division\u2019s most proven operators.<\/p>\n

\"\" \"Fabio <\/p>\n

Fabio Wardley (pictured above) will make the first defence of his WBO world title against former IBF holder Daniel Dubois<\/p>\n

\"Daniel <\/p>\n

Daniel Dubois has not fought since his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk (pictured above)<\/p>\n

Dubois, 28, is coming off a run of major fights at world level and challenged for the undisputed heavyweight crown against Oleksandr Usyk last summer.<\/p>\n

He previously stopped Anthony Joshua in front of a packed Wembley Stadium to claim IBF honours and has recorded 21 knockouts in 22 wins.<\/p>\n

The Londoner did not hold back in his reaction to the announcement, warning that Wardley\u2019s title reign will be short-lived and declaring his intention to become a two-time world champion.<\/p>\n

Promoter Frank Warren said the fight continues a long tradition of domestic heavyweight title clashes, pointing to past all-British world title nights involving Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte, Dereck Chisora, David Haye and Audley Harrison, as well as Lennox Lewis v Frank Bruno in the 1990s.<\/p>\n

The bout will be available on DAZN pay-per-view as part of the broadcaster\u2019s expanding slate of heavyweight events, with further undercard details expected to be announced in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

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