Fabio Wardley's representative, Mike Ofo, fired back fiercely after Daniel Dubois' adviser Sam Jones publicly questioned the legitimacy of a swift rematch between the two heavyweights. The dispute stems from a clause Wardley activated that guarantees him an immediate second bout following Dubois' capture of the WBO heavyweight crown with an 11th‑round stoppage in Manchester last May. In that encounter, the Ipswich native managed to knock Dubois to the canvas twice in the opening rounds before being overwhelmed and forced to stay on the ropes, prompting Jones to cast doubt on Wardley's willingness to return so quickly.
Jones, speaking to Sky Sports, 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 added that Wardley, accustomed to earning millions, might view the rematch as a "free shot" at the 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.
We'll see what happens," Jones continued, suggesting that Dubois could defeat Wardley more quickly this time around. The boxing community has been buzzing with speculation about the 2026 schedule, with fans eager to know when the next big heavyweight showdown will occur.
Meanwhile, streaming platforms such as NOW are promoting contract‑free boxing content, and podcasts like Toe2Toe are delivering weekly analysis of the sport's latest developments. 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 fully briefed, he'd know the fight is still on. Fabio remains firmly in the driver's seat while Jones is not even a passenger in the car," Ofo asserted, emphasizing that Wardley emerged from the first fight without any serious injuries.
"He suffered only cosmetic damage, no concussion. Daniel threw everything, even the kitchen sink, and still couldn't put Fabio down. Fabio doesn't fear Daniel, and I fully expect him to learn from his mistakes and knock Daniel out next time." Jones remained confident in Dubois' chances, praising Wardley's character while still believing his own fighter holds the edge. "I have a lot of respect for Fabio Wardley," he said.
"He's a one‑off with his lack of amateur experience, a real '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." He did acknowledge Wardley's moments of success, noting that the Englishman had managed to hurt Dubois twice during the bout. "Those were his only moments, in my opinion.
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, I still wish him an amazing career," Jones concluded.
Ofo countered with equal fervor, claiming that Jones' assessment carries no weight and merely reflects an inflated ego. "What matters is that it was a great fight between two warriors, and Fabio intends to win his belt back in dramatic fashion," Ofo declared. He went on to criticize Jones as a mouthpiece for Stan Dubois, stating, "He's only licensed to talk rubbish as he's not a licensed boxing manager." Both camps agree that the upcoming rematch will be a marquee event, likely to be hailed as fight of the year. Ofo summed up the sentiment: "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 anticipation builds as promoters, broadcasters, and fans await confirmation of the date and venue, while the narrative of a possible redemption for Wardley or a swift vindication for Dubois continues to dominate headlines across the boxing world.