Skip to content

Fabio Wardley activates Daniel Dubois rematch clause as he seeks to win back WBO heavyweight world championship

Fabio Wardley reveals to Sky Sports that he will trigger the rematch clause in his contract with Daniel Dubois; Despite dropping Dubois twice in their WBO heavyweight world title fight, Wardley was stopped in the 11th round of an epic battle in Manchester on Saturday night

Friday 15 May 2026 14:23, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Daniel Dubois stopped Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of an incredible heavyweight battle and became a two-time world champion. Fight highlights courtesy of DAZN

Fabio Wardley has activated a clause for an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois.

Wardley floored Dubois twice in the early rounds of their fight in Manchester on Saturday night, but the Ipswich boxer lost his WBO heavyweight title in an 11th-round stoppage defeat.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed to Sky Sports that a rematch clause had been put in place and Wardley has now enforced a return bout with Dubois which is expected to take place later this year.

Fabio Wardley
Image: Fabio Wardley says he will 'rectify' his mistakes in the rematch
Captivate This content is provided by Captivate, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only.
Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once

Warren described Wardley vs Dubois as the "best heavyweight fight I have ever put on" and the defeated champion has vowed to deliver another epic battle with his British rival in the rematch.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Daniel Dubois had nothing but praise for Fabio Wardley following their sensational fight at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester for the WBO heavyweight belt

The 31-year-old is even more motivated and focused to avenge that loss to Dubois, telling Sky Sports: "The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved that without a shred of doubt.

"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!"

Promoter Queensberry confirmed: "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.

Also See:

"All parties will now work towards a rematch of their fight of the year contender for later in 2026."

Wardley did not require hospital treatment at the weekend and is recovering from the facial injuries he suffered in the bout.

Around Sky

Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch every minute of end of season

Not got Sky? Get instant access to Sky Sports with no contract