Daniel Dubois rose from the canvas twice to become a two-time heavyweight world champion after defeating Fabio Wardley in a brutal all-British showdown at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena.
A Rocky Start for Dubois
It looked like it was going to be a short night as former IBF champion Dubois was floored for the first time after just 10 seconds. He went down again soon after as Wardley dominated the opening three rounds. But the 28-year-old got back up, and the momentum of the fight soon began to swing as Dubois announced himself back in the big time.
Wardley's Brave Stand
Wardley, who was unbeaten going into the fight, took some heavy shots. His nose was split open, but he refused to give up and fought on bravely before finally being stopped in the 11th round.
Dubois said: "It was a war. Thank you Fabio for that. I know I've got heart, I'm a warrior in there. I had to get back up (after 10 seconds) and come back harder. We move on now. Thank god for this victory. I had to use all my skills. I'm No 1 again. Fabio's a durable guy, a great warrior. It was an honour to be in the ring with him."
What's Next for Dubois?
Dubois can now look forward to bigger fights ahead. He could face Wardley again as promotor Frank Warren said there was a rematch clause in the contract. Warren added: "These two guys showed such heart. It was an amazing fight, absorbing. It had everything. The best heavyweight fight I've ever put on. Let the dust settle and then we'll see (what happens next). Fabio is a brave and gutsy (man)."
The Fight Breakdown
Expectations for a concussive explosion were rampant. The prospect of two of the mightiest hitters remaining upright through 12 rounds found few takers at the bookies. Wardley and Dubois had dispatched more than 90 per cent of their victims by knockout.
At 18 stone, Dubois was the heaviest of his career. Wardley connected with the first haymaker within 10 seconds and dropped him to the canvas. Dubois rose, and the heavy artillery had both fighters rocking. In the second round, Dubois's jab led to Wardley wobbling. Another belter from Wardley put Dubois down again, but he got up to shake Wardley.
The Dubois left jab began to reap dividends as Wardley's right eye swelled. Dubois smelt blood and launched a massive barrage. Wardley reeled but survived as referee Howard Foster took a worried look. The pounding brought blood pouring from Wardley's nose in the seventh round. Heroically, he fought back while staggering, and the referee saved him by mistakenly stopping the round early.
Wardley, semi-conscious, fought on into the eighth round and beyond. He still found energy to strike back and rock Dubois. Before the 10th, a doctor intervened to ensure Wardley could continue. It was becoming hard to watch. Incredibly, Wardley was still swinging big punches. The bell saved him in the 10th as he struggled to see out of his right eye.
The referee finally took pity on Wardley 28 seconds into the 11th, stopping the slaughter. Perhaps it should have been stopped earlier.
