Daniel Dubois v Fabio Wardley Rematch Confirmed for The O2 Arena on 17th October 2026
Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley will renew their heavyweight rivalry later this year after their eagerly anticipated world title rematch was officially confirmed.
The two British heavyweights will meet for a second time at The O2 in London on Saturday 17th October 2026, with Dubois set to defend the WBO World Heavyweight Championship he took from Wardley earlier this year.
Their first meeting produced one of the most dramatic heavyweight fights of the year, and the short wait for a sequel means there is already plenty at stake when the pair return to the ring in the capital.
Dubois and Wardley Set For Heavyweight Rematch
Confirmation of Dubois v Wardley II came at The O2 ahead of Moses Itauma’s world title fight against Filip Hrgovic, with both fighters entering the ring and going face-to-face for the first time since their bruising encounter in Manchester.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the rematch will take place on 17th October, describing the original bout as one of the greatest heavyweight fights seen in recent years.
Dubois enters the contest as champion with a professional record of 23 victories and three defeats, with 22 of those wins coming by knockout. Wardley stands at 20 wins, one draw and just one defeat, with 19 stoppage victories.
The champion was in confident mood following the announcement, saying: “Another dominant victory and amazing performance. I can’t wait. Let’s get it on.”
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What Happened in the First Dubois v Wardley Fight?
Few could have predicted quite how dramatic the opening stages would be when Wardley defended his WBO crown against Dubois at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on 9th May.
Wardley made a sensational start, sending Dubois to the canvas almost immediately before flooring the Londoner for a second time in the third round.
It appeared as though Wardley could be on course for another spectacular stoppage victory, but Dubois gradually fought his way back into the contest.
The former IBF World Heavyweight Champion increasingly took control behind his jab and power punching, with Wardley sustaining significant damage as the rounds progressed.
Dubois eventually forced the stoppage in the 11th round to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.
It was a remarkable turnaround from a fighter who had found himself on the canvas twice inside the opening three rounds.
Wardley Gets His Chance At Revenge
Despite suffering the first defeat of his professional career, Wardley made his intentions clear almost immediately.
The 31-year-old activated the rematch clause contained within the original fight contract just days after losing his title, insisting there were mistakes from the first contest that could be corrected.
Now the date and venue have been confirmed, Wardley will attempt to repeat something he has already achieved during his career: responding emphatically in a rematch.
His first meeting with Frazer Clarke ended in a split draw following a gruelling 12-round contest in 2024. When the pair met again later that year, Wardley needed just one round to secure a knockout victory.
Speaking at The O2 following confirmation of his latest rematch, Wardley said: “The O2 is like a home away from home for me.”
It is also a venue with significant recent memories for the Ipswich heavyweight. Wardley stopped former world champion Joseph Parker there in the 11th round in October 2025, a victory which ultimately helped propel him towards the WBO world title.
Dubois Looking To Strengthen His Position At The Top
For Dubois, the October contest represents the first defence of the WBO belt since his memorable victory in Manchester.
The 28-year-old has already experienced several of the biggest nights available in heavyweight boxing.
He defeated Filip Hrgovic in 2024 before producing one of the defining performances of his career against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium, stopping the former two-time heavyweight champion in five rounds.
Dubois subsequently lost his IBF crown against Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley in July 2025 before returning against Wardley and fighting his way back to world champion status.
Victory over Wardley for a second time would strengthen Dubois’ position among the leading names in the heavyweight division, while his challenger knows a win in London would immediately put the WBO belt back around his waist.
With both men possessing significant knockout power and the first fight producing knockdowns, momentum swings and an eventual late stoppage, the return encounter has quickly become another major date on the British boxing calendar.
Daniel Dubois v Fabio Wardley II FAQs
When is Daniel Dubois v Fabio Wardley II?
Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley will meet for a second time on Saturday 17th October 2026.
Where is Dubois v Wardley II taking place?
The rematch will take place at The O2 Arena in London.
What title is Daniel Dubois v Fabio Wardley II for?
Daniel Dubois will defend his WBO World Heavyweight Championship against former champion Fabio Wardley.
Who won the first Daniel Dubois v Fabio Wardley fight?
Daniel Dubois won their first encounter by an 11th-round stoppage at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on 9th May 2026.
Did Fabio Wardley knock Daniel Dubois down in their first fight?
Yes. Wardley knocked Dubois down twice during the opening three rounds before Dubois recovered and eventually stopped him in round 11.
Why are Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley fighting again?
Wardley activated an immediate rematch clause following his defeat in Manchester, giving him the opportunity to challenge Dubois for the WBO title again.
Can I book boxing hospitality with Eventmasters?
Yes. Eventmasters offers VIP hospitality opportunities for a selection of major boxing events and fight nights across the UK. Fans can explore the latest boxing hospitality experiences through Eventmasters.
