Daniel Dubois captures WBO heavyweight title in dramatic fashion
Daniel Dubois captured the WBO heavyweight crown on Saturday night, halting Fabio Wardley in the eleventh round of a thrilling all-British encounter at Manchester’s Co-op Live, reports BritPanorama.
The victory was hard-fought, with Dubois hitting the canvas twice early in the contest. The first knockdown occurred just ten seconds into the opening round, followed by a knee taken in the third round, as Wardley appeared to be gaining control of the bout.
However, Dubois rebounded to dominate the later rounds with effective jabs and powerful right hands. “It was a war, we went through the sticky moments,” Dubois said immediately after the fight.
He added, “I had to get back up, bounce it off and come back harder. I’m a warrior.” This triumph served as a significant rebuttal to critics who have questioned Dubois’s mental resilience, particularly after his 2020 defeat to Joe Joyce where he faced accusations of being a “quitter.”
After overcoming Wardley’s initial offensive, Dubois found his stride, landing decisive shots that disfigured his opponent’s face. “I had to pull it out the bag and rely on (the jab) and use all of my skills,” Dubois remarked. “What a great fight, what a great battle. But, I’m number one again.”
The pre-fight atmosphere was charged due to tensions between the two fighters. Wardley had made a controversial comment suggesting Dubois might have been working as a bin man were it not for boxing, which prompted Dubois’s vow to “take out the trash.” Throughout fight week, he appeared withdrawn, even walking out of two interviews as he strove to reclaim his title after losing his IBF belt eleven months prior.
Promoter Frank Warren, who manages both boxers, praised the bout as “amazing,” highlighting the heart displayed by both fighters. “It had everything. It’s the best heavyweight fight I’ve ever put on,” he stated.
Despite their earlier animosity, Dubois extended gratitude to Wardley post-fight, calling him a “durable guy, a great warrior.” This win marks a pivotal moment in Dubois’s career, particularly following his recent lacklustre performance against Oleksandr Usyk that was marred by controversy.
Warren confirmed that a rematch clause is included in their contracts. However, Dubois aims for more significant challenges ahead, stating, “I want to grow from this fight, improve and come back even better and go on a reign as champion again.”
In an arena where perceptions can shift with a single punch, Dubois’s victory not only strengthens his claim to the heavyweight division but also serves as a reminder of the thin line between glory and defeat in the squared circle. His journey continues, perhaps now with critics silenced, or at least pondering their past judgments.
