Wardley vs Dubois: Rematch revenge or title dream?

Fabio Wardley is embracing the role of challenger once more as he prepares to face Daniel Dubois in a rematch at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, 17 October ^[1]. The 31-year-old lost his WBO world title to Dubois in May after being knocked down twice in the opening rounds, only for the challenger to mount a stunning comeback and stop him in the 11th round. Now, with his rematch clause triggered, Wardley says he feels more at ease as the underdog. "I really love being the challenger," he said. "It feels more natural and it feels more weightless. I think that’s always beneficial, so I think that improves my chances."

Wardley, who emerged from the unlicensed white-collar scene and has long been written off, finds comfort in being expected to lose. "Seemingly it's better when I'm told I'm going to be losing, or when I'm told this is a level too far," he added ^[1]. This shift in mindset comes after being backed to beat Dubois five months ago—only to lose—making his current status feel familiar and freeing.

Meanwhile, Dubois is setting his sights beyond the rematch. The 29-year-old WBO champion has declared a six-fight goal to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, citing Oleksandr Usyk’s recent vacating of titles as a window of opportunity ^[2]. "Within six fights. That’s what I’ve got in my head anyway," Dubois said, naming potential opponents including WBC champion Agit Kabayel and WBA ‘super’ titleholder Murat Gassiev. He acknowledged Filip Hrgovic and Moses Itauma’s recent rise but insists there’s no single opponent he’s targeting yet.

Dubois remains haunted by his previous loss to Usyk in July 2025 and is determined to avoid another slow start. "I wish I was more clinical and took him out earlier than that," he admitted. "That was a nightmare, so don’t let it get to that point again. Slow starting no more. Get a good warm-up and come out firing."

The claim that Dubois will become undisputed in six fights has not been confirmed and is based solely on his own statement ^[2].

The stage is set for a dramatic rematch with both fighters motivated by different visions: Wardley chasing redemption as the underdog, Dubois chasing history in six fights. The story was first reported by Mirror and The Independent.