Sports

Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: Heavyweight rivals go head-to-head for WBO title at the O2 Arena just five months on from Dynamite’s stoppage victory

Updated: 16:30 EDT, 17 October 2026

Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live blog as Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley face off in a highly-anticipated rematch.

First fight recap

Wardley was undefeated going into the first fight, and started really well by dropping Dubois twice early on.

The first came just 10 seconds in with a big right, and he did the same in the third.

Dubois would have seen his career flashing before his eyes. By boy, did he recover.

Dynamite delivered some pretty nasty swelling to the champion, and the referee eventually stopped it in the 11th round.

We may or may not see similar tonight. Can’t wait for it.

Fabio Wardley (left) and Daniel Dubois during their WBO heavyweight title bout at Co-op Live, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday May 9, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Daniel Dubois celebrates victory following the WBO World Heavyweight Title fight between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois as part of the Wardley v Dubois Don't Blink fight card at Co-op Live on May 09, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

‘We’re in for a treat!

Charlotte Daly at the O2 Arena:

We’re in for a treat for tonight if this evening’s fight is even half the spectacle we saw during the first encounter!

For those who perhaps don’t remember… Wardley and Dubois produced a gruelling contest in Manchester last May, with the fight eventually stopped in the 11th round after Dubois had subjected his opponent to a sustained assault in the latter rounds.

The result saw Dubois take Wardley’s belt and become a two-time heavyweight world champion. Wardley will be looking to earn the title back this evening.