Daniel Dubois is confident that a victory in his upcoming bout could set the stage for a high‑profile clash with Tyson Fury, potentially creating another all‑British heavyweight extravaganza. The current WBO champion believes that if both he and Fury emerge victorious from their respective next fights, a showdown between the two could materialise, offering fans a marquee event reminiscent of past British heavyweight duels.
Fury is already booked for a December 11 encounter with long‑time adversary Anthony Joshua, a fight that has been billed as one of the biggest events in recent British boxing history. Meanwhile, Dubois is slated to face Fabio Wardley in a rematch on October 17, a contest that will serve as a litmus test for his readiness to step up to the very top of the division. Having previously knocked out Joshua in a spectacular fashion, Dubois views Fury as a natural next opponent. "What a fight that would be.
It's like me and AJ all over again. That sort of magnitude. That's what boxing's about really. Frank [Warren, their promoter] would love it, he's got both of us.
I've got to come through my next fight and anything's possible," he told Sky Sports News. In that interview, Dubois emphasized the historic significance of a potential Fury‑Dubois matchup, noting that it would echo the excitement of his earlier bout with Joshua and capture the imagination of the British boxing public.
When asked to comment on the upcoming Fury‑Joshua showdown, Dubois responded, "I think Fury. Everyone's been talking about this fight for such a long time. It'll be good to see them both get into the ring. Two legends of British boxing." However, he quickly added a note of pragmatism, stating, "Let's be real, I don't even care about that fight.
I'm not looking past Fabio at all. One fight at a time.
I'm just dedicating myself 100 percent to this fight and he's a true competitor, a true warrior and I'm just looking forward to getting in there and giving the fans another great fight." Dubois's confidence is rooted in his performance during their first encounter, a gritty contest in which he rose from the canvas twice in the early rounds before ultimately forcing a stoppage. He believes that Wardley should have been withdrawn from that fight sooner, arguing that the bout was essentially a gamble on Wardley's famed resilience. "They were gambling with him.
Obviously he's known for getting bashed up and coming back so that's what they must have been gambling on. But I'm a different animal and I just keep getting stronger as the rounds go on," Dubois explained. He insists that his own stamina and power improve as the fight progresses, giving him an edge in longer engagements. Looking ahead to the rematch, Dubois promised an even more decisive performance.
"We're just going to do even better than the first time," he said, adding, "You'll see on the night." He specifically mentioned his desire to finish Wardley more quickly and with greater precision: "A bit quicker, a bit more clinical. I can't wait to get back in there again and stick it on him again." The upcoming October 17 fight carries significant implications for the heavyweight landscape.
A dominant win for Dubois would not only solidify his standing as the WBO champion but also position him as a credible challenger for Fury's titles. Conversely, a setback could delay his ascent and keep the Fury‑Joshua bout as the immediate headline event. From a broader perspective, the British heavyweight scene is experiencing a renaissance, with multiple world‑class fighters emerging simultaneously. The prospect of an all‑British title fight between Dubois and Fury would echo the golden era of British boxing, offering fans a narrative steeped in national pride and sporting rivalry.
It would also provide a compelling storyline for promoters, broadcasters, and sponsors eager to capitalise on the sport's growing popularity. Dubois's approach to preparation reflects his commitment to incremental improvement. He has been focusing on enhancing his conditioning, sharpening his jab, and refining his defensive footwork, all while maintaining the aggressive power punching that defines his style.
In interviews, he has spoken about studying footage of Fury's previous fights, identifying patterns in Fury's movement and timing, and incorporating specific drills to counter those tendencies. Moreover, Dubois acknowledges the psychological component of facing a legend like Fury. He respects Fury's experience and ring IQ, noting that "Fury is a master at controlling distance and using his jab to set up big shots." To counter this, Dubois plans to employ a higher work rate, forcing Fury to fight on the back foot and limiting his ability to dictate the pace.
The rematch with Wardley also offers Dubois a chance to demonstrate his adaptability. In their first meeting, Wardley showed resilience and the ability to recover from early setbacks. Dubois intends to apply pressure from the opening bell, aiming to prevent Wardley from finding his rhythm.
He believes that an early dominance will not only secure a victory but also send a clear message to the heavyweight division that he is ready for the next level. If Dubois succeeds in both his upcoming fight and the subsequent potential bout with Fury, the heavyweight hierarchy could shift dramatically. A victory over Fury would place Dubois among an elite group of British fighters who have held multiple world titles, further cementing his legacy. In summary, Daniel Dubois is positioning himself for a pivotal moment in his career.
By targeting a win over Fabio Wardley and expressing a clear ambition to face Tyson Fury, he is mapping out a path that could lead to a historic British heavyweight showdown. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Dubois can translate his confidence and preparation into tangible success inside the ring.