The most brutal and entertaining fight of 2026 is due for rematch on Saturday (17 October) at the O2 Arena, London with WBO heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois facing compatriot and former titleholder Fabio Wardley.
Queensberry Promotions ‘Run It Back’ predicts a return of the ‘Fight of the Year’ and that may be delivered.
Their first meeting, only in May, was an absolute war with Dubois being floored twice, but prevailing ultimately via an eleventh round stoppage victory. Saturday promises more of the same.
After the first fight Londoner Dubois left the ring with Wardley’s belt, but that was the Ipswich man’s first defeat, and as his right, he invoked the immediate rematch opportunity. His confidence, though dented, does seem to be restored and he’s predicting victory by whatever.
At early September’s fight launch press conference it was evident there was a lot of mutual respect held by each fighter after their brutal first fight, but this was topped by optimism from both combatants of a KO victory.
Dubois (23-3-0, 22 KOs) promised to “Land the telling blow quicker and earlier … I’m gonna put things right this time and take him out in style … raise my game”.
Wardley (20-1-1, 19 KOs), said he’d “Mixed emotions last time” and had “a lot to go home with and chew over” after his tough defeat.
New champion Dubois on explaining his approach in the rematch said “I’ve got to break him down and beat him up”. He added “I wanna be the last man standing”. That would point to another slugfest and that’s sure to whet the viewers appetite.
Wardley replied “My aim is to right my wrongs and come through on top…I’m great at making adjustments…I’m great at adjusting…and will win by KO”.
This is sure to be another humdinger and a prediction is difficult this early in fight week. Watch out for our final posting this Friday.