Daniel Dubois recovered from two early knockdowns to stop Fabio Wardley in the 11th round and win the WBO world heavyweight title in a dramatic, blood-soaked contest at the Manchester Arena. Referee Howard Foster, whose shirt was stained crimson, stepped in 28 seconds into the penultimate round to rescue Wardley, whose face was masked in blood from a badly cut and broken nose. The ringside doctor had examined the fallen champion twice before the stoppage.
Dubois was knocked down in the opening 10 seconds and again in the third round, but he dominated the rounds in which he was not floored, landing heavy blows that gradually overwhelmed Wardley. The fight was described by promoter Frank Warren as 'the best heavyweight fight I've ever put on,' with both boxers earning enormous credit for their courage and durability.
Wardley was shown post-fight reassuring his family, repeating 'I'm all right,' but observers noted he was swaying at the start of the 10th round and should have been saved from his own bravery. Former champions Darren Barker and Carl Frampton praised the epic scrap, with Frampton calling it 'sickening' to watch Wardley stumble into the fray at the end.
The victory shakes up Britain's heavyweight scene, with Dubois now holding a version of the title for the second time. Warren mentioned a rematch clause in the contract, but both fighters are expected to take a long rest after one of the most remarkable contests in recent boxing history.
