Wardley to Defend WBO Title vs. Dubois on May 9, 2026

Fabio Wardley will defend his WBO heavyweight title against fellow British contender Daniel Dubois on May 9, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, marking the venue's sixth world title bout in the division.

Wardley, 31, from Ipswich, captured the interim WBO belt with a knockout victory over Joseph Parker in October 2025 and was elevated to full champion status after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title. This will be his first defense, a voluntary matchup against Dubois, whom Wardley selected to test his standing in the division. Entering with a record of 20 wins and one loss, including 19 knockouts, Wardley has built his career on aggressive pressure fighting, using short hooks and straight rights to break down opponents. He has come from behind in recent bouts, including stoppages against Justis Huni and Parker, showcasing resilience under pressure.

Dubois, 28, seeks to claim a second world heavyweight crown after holding the IBF title last year. His most recent fight ended in a knockout loss to Usyk in July 2025, a rematch that solidified Usyk's status as the first two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. With a record of 22 wins and three losses,...