Fabio Wardley's representative, Mike Ofo, fired back fiercely after Daniel Dubois' adviser Sam Jones cast doubt on the planned heavyweight rematch. The fight in question follows Wardley's activation of a contractual clause that guarantees an immediate second encounter after Dubois secured the WBO heavyweight crown with an 11th‑round stoppage in Manchester earlier this year. In that initial bout, the Ipswich native managed to knock Dubois down twice in the opening stages before being forced to the canvas by a relentless onslaught that saw him pinned against the ropes.
Despite the dramatic moments, Jones has publicly questioned Wardley's willingness to accept a swift return fight, suggesting the British fighter may be reluctant to risk a quick comeback for what he perceives as insufficient financial reward. Speaking to Sky Sports, Jones said: "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'. 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. But let's see what happens.
We'll know in more than a couple of weeks what Daniel's going to do. But if it's Fabio Wardley, I would just imagine Daniel to beat him a lot quicker this time." The broader boxing calendar for 2026 has already been buzzing with speculation about when the sport's marquee events will take place, and the Wardley‑Dubois saga has become a focal point for fans and pundits alike. Meanwhile, streaming platforms such as NOW are promoting contract‑free access to live bouts, and podcasts like Toe2Toe are delivering weekly analysis of the unfolding drama.
Ofo, however, dismissed Jones' remarks as disrespectful. "I find it offensive to call it a 'free shot'," he told Sky Sports.
"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, from the content of his bleating.
Fabio suffered no major injuries, no concussion—just cosmetic 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." Jones remained confident that Dubois would prevail in the eventual showdown. "I have so much time and 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 than Fabio Wardley—better fundamentals, bigger puncher, stronger than him. I just think Daniel Dubois is better than him.
Fabio Wardley has an equaliser. He showed he can hurt Daniel.
He put him down twice, but those were his only moments in the fight, in my opinion. I think Daniel ended up giving him a right beating in the fight. Let's see what happens. Fabio's a really good man.
I wish him all the best. If he fights Daniel next, we'll see him soon. If he doesn't, then I wish him all the best in his amazing career." Ofo countered with an emphatic endorsement of Wardley's chances to reclaim the WBO belt.
"Jones' assessment holds no weight and is more a reflection of his inflated ego than of what actually took place," he asserted. "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.
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. But it's not about us; the focus should be on the fighters and the rematch, which is going to be another fight of the year and nobody will be disappointed." The dispute highlights the complex interplay of contractual clauses, promotional politics, and personal pride that often underpins heavyweight boxing.
Rematch clauses, like the one activated by Wardley, are commonplace in modern contracts, designed to protect champions and ensure lucrative second encounters. Yet the language surrounding them can become a battlefield in its own right, as seen in the sharp exchanges between Ofo and Jones.
Beyond the verbal sparring, both camps are busy preparing for a possible showdown that could define the heavyweight division for years to come. Wardley's camp insists the British fighter emerged from the first encounter unscathed, emphasizing his lack of concussion and only superficial injuries. They argue that his early knockdowns of Dubois demonstrated power and resilience, qualities that will be crucial in a rematch. Dubois' team, on the other hand, points to the champion's ability to weather early adversity, recover, and ultimately secure the title.
They stress that Dubois' experience against top‑tier opponents, including a recent loss to Oleksandr Usyk, has only sharpened his tactical acumen. According to Jones, Dubois is now more motivated than ever, viewing a rapid return to the ring as an opportunity to cement his status as a dominant heavyweight. Fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation of the date, venue, and broadcast details. The fight promises to generate significant revenue, not only from ticket sales but also from pay‑per‑view purchases and streaming subscriptions.
With both fighters possessing distinct styles—Wardley's aggressive, power‑driven approach versus Dubois' technical precision—the rematch is poised to deliver an electrifying contest. In the meantime, the boxing community continues to dissect every statement, looking for clues about the fighters' mental states and strategic plans. Whether the bout materialises next month or later in the year, the narrative surrounding the "free shot" comment and the subsequent rebuttal will remain a talking point, illustrating how words can shape the anticipation and stakes of a high‑profile sporting event.