British Heavyweights Wardley and Dubois Set for Title Showdown
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
In a highly anticipated all-British heavyweight title fight, Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois will clash in a bout that promises fireworks for boxing enthusiasts. The encounter represents a significant moment in British boxing, pitting two formidable fighters against each other with major championship implications.
Fighters' Backgrounds and Recent Form
Fabio Wardley enters this main-event showdown with an undefeated professional record, showcasing remarkable resilience in his recent performances. The Ipswich boxer found himself trailing on scorecards in his last two fights against Justis Huni and Joseph Parker, only to secure dramatic late knockouts that preserved his perfect record.
His October victory over Parker earned him the interim WBO title, which was subsequently upgraded to the regular championship when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt. At 31 years old, Wardley stands on the brink of potentially securing a future bout with Usyk if he can overcome his next challenge.
Daniel Dubois, aged 28, approaches this contest following his second stoppage loss to Usyk in July, which cost him the IBF title. Despite this setback, Dubois remains one of the division's most dangerous competitors, possessing knockout power that makes him a genuine threat to any opponent. The stylistic matchup suggests a knockout conclusion is highly probable when these two heavyweights meet in the ring.
Event Details and Viewing Information
The Wardley vs Dubois championship fight is scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2026, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. While exact timings for the event have not been officially confirmed, the main card is expected to commence at approximately 7pm BST (11am PT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET). The main-event ring walks are projected to follow around 10pm BST (2pm PT / 4pm CT / 5pm ET).
Viewers can watch the action live through DAZN pay-per-view streaming service at a cost of £24.99. A DAZN subscription is not required to purchase the event, though monthly plans are available starting from £15.99 per month for those interested in ongoing boxing coverage.
Betting Odds and Fight Card
Current betting odds from William Hill position Wardley as the slight favorite at 4/5, with Dubois listed at evens. A draw is priced at 16/1. The Independent carefully vets betting platforms for usability, security, and responsible gambling features, with various offers available across multiple sports betting sites.
The complete fight card, subject to potential changes, features several compelling matchups alongside the main event:
- Fabio Wardley (C) vs Daniel Dubois (WBO heavyweight title)
- Jared Anderson vs Solomon Dacres (heavyweight)
- Jack Rafferty vs Ekow Essuman (super-lightweight)
- Liam Cameron vs Bradley Rea (light-heavyweight)
- Khaleel Majid vs Gavin Gwynne (super-lightweight)
DAZN promotes itself as the Global Home of Boxing, offering access to over 185 fights annually from top promoters, viewable across multiple devices at any time. The Independent may earn commission from some links in this coverage, though this never influences editorial content, with revenue supporting journalism across the publication.
