Fabio Wardley has made it clear that he wants Daniel Dubois to engage in a full‑on clash from the opening bell when the two meet for the WBO heavyweight championship next month. The British contender, who currently holds the WBO title, is set to defend his belt against the French powerhouse Dubois in a highly anticipated bout scheduled for May 9 in Manchester.
Dubois has earned a reputation as one of the most fearsome punchers in the modern heavyweight division. He is perhaps best remembered for ending Anthony Joshua’s unbeaten run in 2024, delivering a spectacular knockout at Wembley Stadium that sent shockwaves through the boxing world. Although Dubois later relinquished the IBF crown after a loss to Oleksandr Usyk, he remains a formidable force and is eager to add a second world title to his résumé by dethroning Wardley.
Wardley, meanwhile, is no stranger to finishing fights in dramatic fashion. He has dispatched opponents such as Justis Huni with a late‑round stoppage and overwhelmed Frazer Clarke early in a rematch, showcasing his ability to end contests decisively. His victory over Joseph Parker last year cemented his status as the WBO heavyweight champion, and he now looks to prove that his reign can withstand the challenge posed by a hard‑hitting adversary like Dubois. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, Wardley explained his game plan: "We have all the intention as a team of getting straight in there and getting straight stuck in, getting into his face and making it a fight, making it a firefight." He emphasized that he intends to press the action from the very first round, refusing to adopt a cautious, distance‑based approach.
"Just letting the guns go and seeing what lands. Because there's no need to be hanging around. There's no need to box and move and jab in this scenario. We're two big guys that at any second can change the course, turn the fight on its head, whichever way around you want to call it," Wardley added.
The British fighter’s strategy hinges on aggression and the willingness to trade blows, a style that aligns well with his own knockout record. He believes that by forcing an early confrontation, he can disrupt Dubois’s rhythm and prevent the Frenchman from setting up his trademark power punches.
"I'm not looking to waste any time and I'm hoping that Daniel's not either," Wardley said, underscoring the mutual expectation that both athletes will come out swinging. For Dubois, the stakes are equally high. After losing his IBF title to Usyk, the Frenchman is determined to bounce back and demonstrate that his loss was a singular setback rather than a sign of decline. His victory over Joshua proved that he can finish elite opponents with a single, well‑timed shot, and he will likely look to replicate that success by targeting Wardley’s chin early in the bout.
The fight promises to be a classic clash of styles: Wardley’s relentless pressure versus Dubois’s explosive power. The matchup also carries broader implications for the heavyweight landscape. A win for Wardley would solidify his position as a dominant champion capable of handling the division’s most dangerous punchers. Conversely, a Dubois triumph would not only restore him to world‑championship status but also re‑establish him as a top‑tier contender capable of challenging the likes of Usyk, Tyson Fury, or even a potential rematch with Joshua.
Fans can expect a high‑octane encounter, with both fighters possessing the size, strength, and knockout capability to end the contest at any moment. The venue, Manchester’s iconic arena, adds a charged atmosphere, as local supporters rally behind their home champion while also recognizing the global interest in a heavyweight showdown of this magnitude.
In addition to the main event, the card will feature a series of undercard bouts that showcase rising talent and seasoned veterans, providing a full night of boxing entertainment. Promoters have also highlighted the availability of a more accessible video player for viewers using the Chrome browser, ensuring that fans can enjoy the fight with minimal technical hurdles. Outside the ring, boxing enthusiasts can stay connected through various platforms.
The NOW streaming service offers contract‑free access to live fights, while the Toe2Toe podcast delivers weekly analysis and commentary on the sport. Moreover, dedicated boxing highlight reels and video compilations are readily available for those who want to relive the most electrifying moments from past contests.
As the countdown to May 9 continues, both camps are fine‑tuning their preparations. Wardley’s team focuses on sharpening his aggressive tactics and conditioning to sustain a high‑tempo assault, whereas Dubois’s camp emphasizes power drills and defensive drills to capitalize on counter‑punching opportunities. The mutual desire to avoid a tentative opening suggests that the opening rounds will likely be a flurry of exchanges, with each fighter testing the other's durability and resolve. Ultimately, the bout promises to deliver exactly what Wardley has promised: a "firefight" that leaves no room for cautious boxing or prolonged jabbing wars.
Whether the fight ends in a spectacular knockout, a hard‑fought decision, or an unexpected twist, it will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the careers of both heavyweight champions and a highlight of the 2026 boxing calendar.