Fabio Wardley will defend his WBO heavyweight world title against fellow Briton Daniel Dubois later this evening at the Co-op Live in Manchester. The highly anticipated clash sees Wardley, 31, aim to retain the belt he claimed in October after knocking out Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena. Just days after that stunning victory, the Suffolk native was promoted to full champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title. Dubois, meanwhile, is eager to rebound from a gruelling defeat to Usyk last July at Wembley Stadium. Rather than taking a tune-up fight, 'Triple D' has opted to dive straight into the deep end in pursuit of a second world title. Here is everything you need to know about the running order for tonight's fights.
Main Event: Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois - 11pm
In the main event, fans can expect fireworks as two heavyweights battle for the WBO title. Wardley has been on a surging run since his split draw with Frazer Clarke two years ago. The Ipswich native settled the score with Clarke in their rematch, knocking him out in the first round before stopping Justis Huni last June. His biggest moment came in his last fight when he knocked out Parker. Dubois is itching to return to winning ways and become a two-time heavyweight world champion.
Jack Rafferty vs Ekow Essuman - 9:50pm
Playing chief support is an epic showdown between Jack Rafferty and Ekow Essuman. Lancashire's Rafferty is known for his aggressive, all-out style and has become a fan favourite. He has not fought since a razor-thin majority draw with Mark Chamberlain in August. Essuman, 37, is no pushover, having stunned fans with a win over Josh Taylor last May. The veteran will look to bounce back after being knocked out by Jack Catterall on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn undercard.
Bradley Rea vs Liam Cameron - 9pm
Liam Cameron aims for two wins on the bounce when he faces Bradley Rea. The Yorkshireman was engaged in a bitter rivalry with Ben Whittaker, and after a contentious draw in 2024, Whittaker settled their feud last year with a second-round knockout. Cameron got back to winning ways in his last fight, defeating Troy Jones in Manchester. Across the ring is Stretford's Rea, who has not fought since losing to Lyndon Arthur in November.
David Morrell vs Zak Chelli - 8:10pm
Cuba's David Morrell fights outside the US for the first time tonight. He was scheduled to face WBO interim champion Callum Smith last month, but Smith withdrew due to injury. Morrell, whose only career defeat came against David Benavidez, quickly found a new opponent in Britain's Zak Chelli. The 28-year-old Chelli is confident after knocking out Adam Hepple last June.
Khaleel Majid vs Gavin Gwynne - 7:20pm
Fans are eager to see Khaleel Majid and Gavin Gwynne clash. Gwynne impressed in his last outing, a majority draw with Cameron Vuong in November. The 36-year-old is always game for a tough fight but faces a stern test moving up to super lightweight. Majid is unbeaten in 16 fights and comes in off a points win over David Ryan.
Bakhodir Jalolov vs Agron Smakici - 6:30pm
One of the most anticipated fights on the card is Bakhodir Jalolov's return against Agron Smakici. Jalolov, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has had a stop-start career. The Uzbek sensation ended a near two-year hiatus last year with a win over Ihor Shevadzutskyi, followed by a points victory over Vitaly Kudukhov in October. Tonight may be his biggest test yet as he faces the experienced Smakici.
Mike Perez vs Franklin Arinze - 6pm
An intriguing cruiserweight contest sees Nigerian knockout artist Franklin Arinze put his undefeated record on the line against veteran Mike Perez. Arinze, 34, earned his most impressive win last May, a decision victory over then-unbeaten Kevin Melhus for the vacant IBF European cruiserweight title. Perez, 40, is known for his ferocious power and will be a tough challenge.
Javokhir Ummataliev vs Damian Drabik - 5:40pm
Uzbekistan's Javokhir Ummataliev looks to keep his undefeated record intact in his second professional fight. The 21-year-old scored a points win over Rahim Aliyev on his debut in November. He faces Polish brawler Damian Drabik, who is on a three-fight unbeaten run with knockouts over Jan Sendrei, Petrit Shehi, and Bogdan Batyko.
Fawaz Aborode vs Garth Noot - 5:10pm
Aberdeen boxer Fawaz Aborode makes his professional debut in Manchester. The Nigerian-born star signed a pro contract with Wardley's manager Michael Ofo after a glittering amateur career that included multiple national titles. Aborode, who hopes to emulate Wardley's success, faces 23-fight veteran Garth Noot.
Bobbi Flood vs Nathan Darby - 4:45pm
Top Irish prospect Bobbi Flood returns just two months after his professional debut. The 21-year-old scored a breathtaking first-round knockout over Bela Istvan Orban in Dublin. He faces Nathan Darby, who has lost 37 times in his career.
Issiah Hamilton-Allen vs Connor Goulding - 4:15pm
Issiah Hamilton-Allen looks for more rounds in his second professional fight. The rising British star made his debut in February, winning on points over Connor Meanwell. He faces Connor Goulding, who has only been stopped twice in 10 defeats and will push Hamilton-Allen to the limit.
