Dubois vs Wardley 2: was the rematch a smart move?

Frank Warren weighs in on the rematch and wardley’s chances

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are expected to face off a second time later this year.

Fabio Wardley was crowned WBO world champion ahead of their first bout and got off to a strong start. He sent Daniel Dubois to the canvas twice early on before he could even find his rhythm.

As the rounds progressed, however, Daniel Dubois began landing harder punches. This continued through the eleventh round, by which point Fabio Wardley was already looking very battered. He was barely able to mount any offense, which is why the referee eventually stopped the fight.

For Daniel Dubois, this victory was particularly important following his second setback at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk in 2025. At the same time, he handed Fabio Wardley his first career loss. Now the two are likely to face off again, as Fabio Wardley has exercised his contractual rematch clause.

English promoter Frank Warren thinks highly of this matchup. He thought the first fight was very good and hopes for even more from the second. However, in an interview with Playbook Boxing, he also addressed whether such a quick rematch is good for Fabio Wardley. He said:

“We’ll find out in October. He’s hurt Daniel twice and put him down twice and Daniel got himself back into it, great discipline, and boxed extremely well and showed what he is about. I think Fabio, in his head, must feel the fact that he hurt him, he’s capable of stopping him. He’s done it bar one to everyone he’s fought”

However, Fabio Wardley and his team have already hinted that they will make all the necessary adjustments to set up a quick rematch. In fact, it’s supposed to take place as early as October of this year. We’ll see if it’s worth it for Fabio Wardley and if the quick rematch will pay off.

I actually think it’s a good decision by Fabio Wardley. With such a hard-fought victory, Daniel Dubois has certainly gained a lot of confidence. Maybe that will even work against him because he’ll underestimate his opponent in a rematch. I could definitely see that happening, which is why this rematch is even more exciting to me.