Wardley Beaten By Dubois
Sunday, 10th May 2026 00:25

Fabio Wardley lost his WBO world heavyweight title and suffered his first career defeat as a brutal encounter with Daniel Dubois was stopped in the 11th round at Co-op Live in Manchester this evening.

Wardley, 31, started like a house on fire, knocking Dubois down in the first three rounds. However, the longer the fight progressed, the more the challenger got on top with Wardley’s right eye swollen and his nose dripping with blood.

The Chantry fighter somehow stayed on his feet - with some pundits suggesting the contest should have been ended rounds earlier - until the start of the 11th round when the referee stepped in after Dubois, 28, had caught Wardley with a right hand.

“It was a war,” Dubois said following the fight. “We came through the sticky moments. Thank you Fabio for that, thank you. What a great fight, what a great battle, man.”

Wardley spoke to his family from the ring, reassuring them he was OK: “I’m all right, I’m all right.”

Frank Warren, promoter of both boxers, confirmed that the two could well meet again.

“There is a rematch clause in the contract,” he said. “These two guys showed such heart. Great heart. Chins. It was an amazing fight. Absorbing. It had everything, exciting. The best heavyweight fight I’ve ever put on.”

Wardley’s first defeat comes in his 22nd fight, while Dubois, previously holder of the WBA version of the heavyweight title from 2022 to 2023 and the IBF belt from 2024 to 2025, has won 23 of his 26 fights.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters

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Vancouver_Blue added 00:33 - May 10 What a brilliant fight. Hats off to both me, but the heart Fabio showed was incredible. The crowd in Manchester were predominantly behind Fabio as well. True Blue Warrior
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dangerous30 added 01:07 - May 10 What a fight
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armchaircritic59 added 01:16 - May 10

It's really the sort of sporting event when morally no one loses even if one officially does. That's how I like my football played, nothing asked or given, two teams going toe to toe, lickety split, rather like the game at Southampton. Unfortunately modern day coaching has tended to make that a lot less regular. And yes I know I've got to put up with it, as it is what it is.

Back to the boxing, I would imagine a rematch, once both have recovered!

Chrisd added 05:26 - May 10 A terrific fight with Wardley showing incredible heart once again, however I must add I thought it really disappointing that Wardley’s corner allowed him to face so much punishment. For me, that should’ve been stopped after Round 8. Any duty of care for Wardley? I’d have to question that from all concerned last night.
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Dissboyitfc added 06:39 - May 10 Fabio has the courage of a true warrior and battles like this are bound to happen, the people around him need to know when to step in, its a dangerous sport and he needs protecting from himself! Expect there will be a rematch!
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USA added 07:35 - May 10 Never won a title fight. That is all.
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cooper4england added 07:47 - May 10 What a jaw! Will come back stronger and learn so much from that experience.
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BlueRuin69 added 08:12 - May 10 Wardley is incredibly tough and had Daniel down twice, great fight but should have been stopped earlier. Hope Wardleys ok
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SuffolkSpezial added 08:17 - May 10 His corner massively failed him in my opinion. I know he has a history of pulling out THAT big punch to pull an unlikely win out of the bag, but bloody hell. He should have been pulled out in the 9th. What an absolute warrior Fabio is, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's some lasting damage after last night.
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BangaloreBlues added 08:30 - May 10 This is what happens when you go up to the Premier League - you can get beaten. It's tough at the top. Not into boxing so didn't watch but sad to hear this news. Sounds like a cracking fight according to those who did watch it. Hopefully he will get back up and have another go.
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poet added 08:42 - May 10 Fabio put him on his backside early on, but seemed to run out of a bit of steam later on. I think if there’s a rematch, Fabio will put him on his backside again, this time, he’ll stay there. Well done Fabio.
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CustardCream added 09:23 - May 10 Very proud of Fabio last night, should have been stopped a few rounds earlier but he never backed down and was a credit to the badge on his shorts. I hope this isn’t the end for him.
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LuciBlue added 09:36 - May 10 But when I fight at the Co-op it's 'against the law' !
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backwaywhen added 10:44 - May 10 USA …..Go away you absolute lemon . That is all .
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little_boy_blue added 11:08 - May 10 What a warrior. Wardley may have lost, but I am sure there are more people respecting him now than before that fight (excluding idiots like USA).
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Gforce added 11:28 - May 10 Let's put this fight into perspective, its Fabio's first ever defeat. He's had a remarkable career, considering he didn't have any amateur experience. He will definitely be back,stronger, wiser and better for the experience. Even the best heavyweights in history,had 1 or 2 defeats in their career.
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PortmanTerrorist added 13:22 - May 10 The legend grows even in defeat. What a fight. What an effort and Fabio not done yet and will be back stronger still. COYB COFW
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paris_mitchell_in_oz added 13:36 - May 10 WOW!! Just WOW!!! Our new poster child for 'Running Against Adversity.' A new and true club legend walks among us. Very well done, Fabio. Could not be more proud, big man!
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armchaircritic59 added 18:56 - May 10

BangaloreBlues, that's a cracking analogy, and one the football club needs to heed very well next time round in the PL, or like last time it will take a pummeling and it will all be over as contest early on and we'll go back to being " Penalty FC " etc, only it will be much worse next time. Millwall will be knocked off the top of the " no one likes us perch " though ironically at the moment it appears quite a few do, like them that is!

As for boxers such as Fabio, at or around the top of their tree, well they know full well the risks they take every time they enter a ring, short, medium and longer term. They obviously decide the rewards outweigh the risks taken. It will be interesting to see if offered a rematch which seems likely at some point, he will take it, or think, do you know what? Enough is enough, I don't need the money, I'll get out while the goings good. History I think tends towards boxers needing another bite of the cherry, though it's never cowardice as far as I'm concerned if they decide to walk away. I can't say I'd want my lights turned off on a regular basis in order to earn a living!

Tedray added 08:49 - May 11

Well done Fabio you are taking us all on a magic carpet ride. You are a bright light in the often grim business of boxing.Unusual in that you are a gentleman, have charisma and are articulate.A credit to yourself,ITFC, and the town.I am pleased to have books to my name concerning also my home town and obtain great delight in hearing you announced as from Ipswich England.As a layman looking at the fight I am curious to know what instructions your trainer gave you. (?) was it for instance to go flat out from the off or pace yourself and conserve energy or are you your own worst enemy. Either way your courage is unquestionable.I sadly fear a little for your wellbeing going forward and hope that you make the correct choices. With all your advantages there must be a media slot waiting. Anyway Fabio you did us all proud go and have a much deserved holiday and then we will wait with interest as to where the magic carpet will take us next.