Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois: WBO champion's team hold talks about a big all-British heavyweight battle in 2026
Fabio Wardley is considering opponents for first defence of his WBO heavyweight title which include Daniel Dubois; Wardley's team have held talks about an all-British battle against Dubois; Wardley also wants an undisputed world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 7 February 2026 08:21, UK
Fabio Wardley's team have held talks about a potential WBO world heavyweight title defence against Daniel Dubois.
WBO champion Wardley is considering options for his first title defence and Dubois, ranked at No 4 by the WBO, is on a shortlist of possible opponents.
Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang are two other available contenders inside the WBO top 15, but terms could not be agreed between Wardley and fellow Brit Derek Chisora for a fight.
- Fabio Wardley welcomes summer showdown with Tyson Fury
- Terri Harper accuses Caroline Dubois of 'disrespect' before tense face-off
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW
Wardley's manager Mike Ofo told Sky Sports: "Fabio wanted to fight Oleksandr Usyk after beating Joseph Parker but he chose to pursue Deontay Wilder instead. Now that fight has fallen through, Fabio wants a unification fight with Usyk for all the belts.
"We were pursuing a fight with Chisora or Wilder for April 4, but they took refuge in each other's arms and as you can see from the presser, they are acting like a loved up couple. But boxing's a tough sport so I wish them all the best for the future.
"As for Daniel Dubois, clearly that's a fight that Fabio would be well up for. There's nothing like an all-British showdown for the world heavyweight title!"
When asked about a Wardley vs Dubois fight, promoter Frank Warren told Sky Sports: "We're talking to Fabio about various things and also to Daniel.
"Whatever happens they've both got to fight, they both want to fight and they will fight.
"So they'll probably fight end of April early May."
Wardley was crowned as the new WBO champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt instead of making a mandatory WBO title defence against the unbeaten Brit.
The Ipswich fighter had previously become the WBO interim champion after a stunning 11th round stoppage victory over Joseph Parker at The O2 in October.
Dubois recently returned to former trainer Don Charles as he plans to get his career back on track following a knockout loss to Usyk in their July rematch at Wembley Stadium.
