Fabio Wardley's representative, Mike Ofo, has fired back with a blistering rebuttal after Daniel Dubois' adviser, Sam Jones, cast doubts on the upcoming heavyweight rematch. The dispute stems from a clause that Wardley activated, guaranteeing him an immediate second bout after Dubois captured the WBO heavyweight crown with an 11th‑round stoppage in a dramatic showdown in Manchester this past May. In that original contest, the Ipswich‑born contender managed to knock Dubois to the canvas twice in the opening rounds before being forced to retreat against the ropes, ultimately losing his title. Jones, speaking to Sky Sports, suggested that Wardley might be reluctant to accept a swift return fight, insinuating that the British fighter was looking for a "free shot" at the world title without a substantial payday.
"I don’t think it’s a wise decision, but when it’s a free shot at the world heavyweight title, he’s probably thinking, ‘I don’t want to come back and have a comeback fight for not so much good money’," Jones said. He continued, "He’s used to making millions of pounds, so he’s thinking a free shot at the world heavyweight title. It’s a rematch clause that they put in, rightfully so. I’d have done exactly the same.
But when you take a hiding like that, it can be dangerous. Let’s see what happens." Jones added that a decision would be reached within a couple of weeks and that, if the rematch does materialise, he expects Dubois to dispatch Wardley more quickly this time around.
Wardley's camp, however, has been unequivocal in its stance. Ofo told Sky Sports, "I find it offensive to call it a ‘free shot.’ If anyone had a free shot, it was Daniel coming off a loss to Usyk. If Jones were in the loop, he would know the fight is happening. Fabio is still firmly in the driver’s seat while Jones is not even a passenger in the car, based on the content of his bleating." He further emphasized that Wardley emerged from the first encounter without any serious injuries – no concussion, only superficial damage.
"Daniel threw everything, including the kitchen sink, and still couldn’t put Fabio down. Fabio does not fear Daniel, and I fully expect him to learn from his mistakes and knock Daniel out next time," Ofo asserted. Jones, for his part, remained confident that Dubois would prevail in a potential rematch. "I have a lot of admiration for Fabio Wardley," he said.
"He’s a one‑off with his lack of amateur experience. He’s a ‘Rocky’ story, but I just believe that Daniel is a better fighter – better fundamentals, a bigger puncher, stronger overall. Daniel Dubois is better than him." Nevertheless, Jones conceded that Wardley had shown he could hurt Dubois, noting the two knock‑downs as the only moments in the fight where Dubois appeared vulnerable.
"He gave him a right beating in the fight. Let’s see what happens. Fabio’s a really good man, and I wish him all the best.
If he fights Daniel next, we’ll see him soon. If he doesn’t, I wish him all the best in his amazing career," he concluded.
Ofo, undeterred by the criticism, predicted that Wardley would reclaim his WBO belt with a decisive victory. "Jones’ assessment holds no weight and is more a reflection of his inflated ego than of what actually took place," Ofo said.
"What is cogent is that it was a great fight between two warriors, and Fabio has every intention of winning his belt back in dramatic fashion." He dismissed Jones as a mere mouthpiece for Stan Dubois, stating, "Jones is just a ventriloquist’s dummy for Stan Dubois, doing what he’s told. He’s only licensed to talk rubbish as he’s not a licensed boxing manager." The focus, according to Ofo, should remain on the athletes and the anticipated rematch, which he believes will be another "fight of the year" that will not disappoint fans. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to fill with high‑profile match‑ups, and both camps are positioning their fighters for the spotlight.
Streaming platforms like NOW are offering contract‑free boxing content, while podcasts such as Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and commentary. Highlight reels and video compilations are also readily available for fans eager to relive the most electrifying moments.
In summary, the controversy revolves around whether the rematch is a genuine competitive opportunity or a "free shot" for Dubois. Wardley's manager insists the clause was exercised properly and that his fighter is fully prepared, uninjured, and eager to reclaim the title. Dubois' adviser, meanwhile, questions the wisdom of a rapid return but still acknowledges Wardley's capability to cause trouble. As negotiations continue and both sides sharpen their rhetoric, the boxing world waits eagerly for a definitive answer on when—and under what terms—this heavyweight showdown will finally take place.