Wardley moved quickly to secure a second fight with Dubois after their brutal WBO heavyweight title clash in Manchester
Fabio Wardley has officially activated the rematch clause for a second fight against Daniel Dubois despite absorbing heavy punishment in last weekend’s WBO heavyweight title fight in Manchester. The decision moves one of the year’s hardest heavyweight fights toward another meeting later in 2026
“Fabio Wardley has activated the rematch clause following his defeat in last week’s WBO world title fight against Daniel Dubois at the Co-op Live in Manchester,” Frank Warren said to Sky Sports Boxing in a statement.
“All parties will now work towards a rematch of their fight of the year contender for later in 2026.”
Wardley also released a statement after the fight, saying he intends to correct the mistakes he made in the first bout.
“The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved that without a shred of doubt,” said Wardley to Sports.
“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!”
Presenter Dev Sahni said he never doubted Wardley would activate the rematch clause.
“Of course he has,” Sahni said on his YouTube channel. “He does things the hard way.”
“The reason he fought Daniel Dubois in the first place was because he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he just took an easy one.”
Sahni also pointed to Wardley’s lack of amateur experience as a reason he believes the former champion can still improve before the rematch.
“We’re seeing all of the learning happening right in front of us,” Sahni said.
“The improvements that he can make from that fight to the next fight are huge just because he’s still learning.”
The rematch is expected to take place later this year.
