In the early hours of Sunday morning, Daniel Dubois, now the WBO world heavyweight champion, expressed his exhilaration after a fierce bout against Fabio Wardley in Manchester. Reflecting on the intense match, Dubois stated, “I was in there with a live dog and I loved it. He came to win, and it was a real crowd-pleaser. We had a great fight.”
Witnessing the determination and bravery exhibited by both fighters at ringside was a profound experience. The contest showcased both the splendor and the toll of boxing. Dubois was knocked down twice, with the initial fall occurring just ten seconds into the first round. Despite enduring considerable punishment, Wardley fought valiantly until the referee, Howard Foster, intervened early in the 11th round to prevent further damage.
Wardley, while not the most skilled fighter, demonstrated significant power but often missed his targets. However, he compelled Dubois to showcase his own resilience from the start. After being knocked down for the second time before the fourth round, Dubois received a light slap from his trainer Don Charles. “I needed that slap just to wake up, to stay in reality,” Dubois remarked. “You can’t slip back. As a warrior, you have to dig deep, go to that dark place and come out on top. I wasn’t going to be denied.” He added that he felt a strong obligation to his father and supporters in his corner.
Dubois praised Wardley as “a tough cookie,” acknowledging the latter’s resilience even as he faced relentless blows that left him bloodied. “He took my shots,” Dubois commented, repeatedly expressing his gratitude and respect for Wardley. “He pushed me in that fight. I had to confront my inner struggles, especially after a loss. I was a bit nervous and scattered at the start but managed to regain my focus and secure the win.”
This victory has earned Dubois newfound respect following his previous defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in a world-title unification match last summer. Another loss in this match would have been disastrous, but instead of easing back into competition, Dubois boldly challenged the undefeated Wardley.
Wardley, known for his powerful punches, faced a dominating Dubois throughout the fight. At 28, Dubois has faced criticism for being perceived as timid or a quitter, particularly after suffering a fractured eye socket in his first loss against Joe Joyce in 2020. He had also faced scrutiny for his performances in two bouts against Usyk.
Following the match, trainer Don Charles expressed his pride in Dubois, stating, “No human being on the planet could ever question this kid again. Certainly don’t question him in front of me because what he showed tonight erased any doubt. I’m almost glad the fight went that way, so Daniel could demonstrate this written narrative is not accurate. We know he’s not a quitter. The fight had everything, and so much drama, for the neutrals. Luckily, the two gladiators came out intact. That’s the most important thing.”
Despite Wardley’s toughness, the referee or his corner might have saved him a round earlier, as such grueling fights can leave lasting impacts on fighters. Dubois remarked, “It was just a war. We both gave each other everything we had but I had to overcome it. It was a test from God, and I had to come through it.”
Frank Warren, who promotes both fighters, expressed deep admiration for their performance. “In my 48 years in the business, it was humbling to watch these two guys. It was amazing. Boxing, hey? I keep telling you, it’s flying,” he said, underscoring the unique nature of boxing. “What sport is like boxing? They just knock the granny out of each other, and then they’re putting their arms around each other. How many sports are like that? I can’t think of one.”
While the fight was exhilarating and a positive moment for boxing, the challenges both Dubois and Wardley faced began to resonate with Dubois after the match. When asked about his future opponents, Dubois succinctly replied, “I need a nice rest.”
