Fabio Wardley Activates Daniel Dubois Rematch Clause After Heavyweight Title Loss

Fabio Wardley has activated his rematch clause against Daniel Dubois after suffering a dramatic defeat in their brutal heavyweight world title clash in Manchester.

The Ipswich fighter lost his WBO heavyweight crown in an 11th round stoppage defeat at the Co-op Live Arena on Saturday night, despite flooring Dubois twice in the opening rounds of a fight already being labelled one of the best British heavyweight contests in recent years.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that a rematch clause had been included in the contract and Wardley has now enforced his right to an immediate second showdown with Dubois later this year.

Wardley has already vowed to come back stronger after seeing his unbeaten professional record ended in a bloody war with the London heavyweight.

“The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved that without a shred of doubt.

“It was a fight for the ages, but I made some mistakes that I will rectify in the rematch. Congratulations to Daniel, but I’m coming for you and my belt!” Wardley said.

The 31-year-old reportedly avoided a hospital visit after the fight and is now recovering from the facial injuries sustained during the contest.

Fight For The Ages In Manchester

Daniel Dubois produced a stunning comeback performance to stop Fabio Wardley in the 11th round and reclaim world honours after an unforgettable battle at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.

Wardley made a sensational start and dropped Dubois inside the opening 10 seconds with a huge right hook that rocked the challenger and sent the crowd into chaos.

Dubois beat the count and attempted to respond immediately, firing back with heavy right hands as momentum swung wildly throughout the opening exchanges.

The defending champion then scored a second knockdown in round three after another powerful attack left Dubois on one knee and seemingly in danger of another major defeat.

But the Londoner showed remarkable resilience to weather the early storm before gradually taking control with relentless pressure and heavier punching.

A vicious right hook in round four changed the direction of the fight as Dubois forced Wardley backwards and began consistently landing damaging combinations.

The sixth round nearly ended the contest as Dubois trapped Wardley on the ropes and unleashed a brutal barrage that left the Ipswich fighter bloodied and badly hurt.

Wardley somehow survived and continued to fire back despite suffering severe facial damage and visibly tiring during the championship rounds.

Dubois, however, remained in complete control as the fight progressed. Heavy hooks and sustained combinations repeatedly rocked Wardley while officials carried out multiple inspections on his badly damaged nose.

The end eventually arrived in round 11 when referee Howard Foster stepped in after another vicious flurry left Wardley unable to properly defend himself.

After the fight, Dubois praised his rival following an unforgettable heavyweight battle.

“It was a war,” Dubois said afterwards.

“We came through the sticky moments. Thank you, Fabio, for that.

“What a great fight, what a great battle.”

Dubois also promised to improve further as he begins his latest reign as world champion.

“We move on now. I want to grow from this fight, improve and go on and reign as champion again.”

Warren later described the contest as the greatest heavyweight fight he has ever promoted and believes the rematch could produce another classic encounter between the British rivals.

“These two guys showed such heart. Great heart. Chins. It was an amazing fight,” Warren said.

“It had everything, exciting. The best heavyweight fight I’ve ever put on.”