Dubois vs Wardley Preview
Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley clash in a rematch for the WBO heavyweight title on Saturday night at the O2 Arena. DDD knocked Wardley out in round 11 of their fight in May, claiming the WBO title.
That handed Wardley his first career defeat, and he now enters this fight with a record of 20-1-1. However, he has the power to trouble the best heavyweights in the division and will be confident he can avenge that mistake. Can he win back his title, or will Dubois prove he is king of the British heavyweights once again?
Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley Predictions
Fight prediction: Daniel Dubois via KO/TKO
One of our best boxing predictions is for Daniel Dubois to defeat Fabio Wardley by knockout or technical knockout. The pair meet again after their unforgettable heavyweight clash in May, when Dubois stopped Wardley in the 11th round. Their first encounter provided plenty of drama, and we expect another explosive contest between these British rivals.
Dubois was victorious, but the result hardly tells the full story. Wardley dropped him twice in the opening three rounds and looked capable of a major upset. However, Dubois recovered, gradually took control, and unleashed a relentless assault that eventually forced the referee to intervene.
That comeback could prove crucial in the rematch. Dubois demonstrated he can withstand Wardley’s power and remain dangerous when a fight turns against him. His ability to recover from those early setbacks before breaking down the champion was an impressive display of resilience.
Wardley, meanwhile, will be determined to avenge the first defeat of his professional career. He enjoyed considerable success early on, landing powerful right hands that put Dubois on the canvas. The challenge now is to reproduce that success without allowing Dubois to dictate the later rounds.
The Ipswich heavyweight has built his reputation on aggression, punching power, and remarkable determination. He also showed in May that he can hurt Dubois, making him a serious threat throughout the rematch. Wardley cannot afford to become overly cautious, but he must balance his attacking instincts with better defensive discipline.
Dubois has established himself amongst the best boxers in the world, and remains one of the heavyweight division’s most dangerous punchers. His victories over Anthony Joshua and Filip Hrgović demonstrated his ability to deliver against elite opposition. He also showed against Wardley that he can adapt when his initial approach does not go to plan.
The key question is whether Wardley can make the necessary adjustments. He may look to use his right hand early again, while avoiding the prolonged exchanges that allowed Dubois to build momentum in their first meeting. If he can maintain his energy and defensive awareness, he has a genuine chance of making this contest competitive.
However, Dubois will have learned plenty from their previous encounter. He knows Wardley can hurt him early, so a more measured start could help him avoid another difficult opening. His jab and heavier combinations should allow him to establish control without taking unnecessary risks.
We also expect Dubois to target Wardley’s defence as the fight progresses. In May, the champion absorbed substantial punishment before the referee stopped the contest. If Dubois can repeat that sustained pressure, Wardley could again struggle to respond during the championship rounds.
Rematches in heavyweight boxing are notoriously difficult to predict. Wardley has genuine knockout power, and his early success last time should not be overlooked. Nevertheless, Dubois has already shown he can overcome that threat and turn the fight in his favour.
Our prediction is Daniel Dubois via KO/TKO. We expect Wardley to start aggressively and potentially enjoy some early success, but Dubois should settle into the contest and gradually take control. His power, experience and ability to maintain pressure give him the edge, with a late stoppage the most likely outcome if he can reproduce the performance that won him their first encounter.
Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley Betting Tips
- Method of Victory – Dubois via KO/TKO: The first fight proved Dubois can recover from Wardley’s power and turn the contest around. His ability to maintain pressure and deliver damaging combinations makes the stoppage market an appealing option for anyone exploring boxing betting. Wardley is dangerous early, but Dubois could gain the upper hand as the fight progresses. We expect Dubois to find another stoppage, potentially in the later rounds.
- Over/Under – Over 7.5 rounds: The over/under betting could appeal to punters expecting another competitive encounter. Their first fight lasted until the 11th round, despite Wardley scoring two early knockdowns. Both heavyweights have demonstrated considerable punching power and shown they can withstand punishment. If Wardley starts strongly and Dubois needs time to establish control, the contest could pass the halfway point before the decisive exchanges arrive. This selection fits our prediction of a later stoppage.
- Grouped Round Betting – Dubois in rounds 8-12: Backing Dubois to win between rounds 8 and 12 aligns with our expectation of a gradual shift in momentum. Wardley could enjoy early success with his aggressive approach, but Dubois may find more opportunities as the fight develops. His pressure and heavier combinations could become increasingly difficult to handle in the later rounds. Given how their first encounter unfolded, a late stoppage is a plausible outcome. Bet on Dubois to win in rounds 8-12, worth 8/5 at Novibet.
Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley Head-to-Head and Key Stats
Dubois Recent Form and Key Stats
Daniel Dubois enters the rematch with a professional record of 23 wins and three defeats, including 22 by knockout. The London heavyweight has established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous punchers, combining heavy hands with the ability to sustain pressure over multiple rounds.
Dubois has secured notable victories against Anthony Joshua and Filip Hrgović. His fifth-round knockout of Joshua in September 2024 proved he can deliver on the biggest stage. He also stopped Hrgović in the eighth round, showcasing his power and resilience against experienced opposition.
His most recent victory came against Wardley in May. Despite suffering two early knockdowns, Dubois recovered and gradually shifted the momentum before securing an 11th-round technical knockout. That performance highlighted his determination and ability to adapt under pressure.
Dubois will likely look to use his jab and powerful combinations to control the rematch. Avoiding another difficult opening will be important, as Wardley knows that he can hurt him. If Dubois establishes his rhythm earlier, he could create opportunities to finish the fight before the later rounds.
Fabio Wardley Recent Form and Key Stats
Fabio Wardley brings a record of 20 wins, one defeat and one draw into the rematch, with 19 by stoppage. The Ipswich heavyweight built his reputation through aggressive performances and significant punching power, rising from white-collar boxing to become a world heavyweight champion.
Before facing Dubois, Wardley enjoyed an impressive run of results. He stopped Frazer Clarke in their rematch, knocked out Justis Huni in the 10th round and defeated Joseph Parker by 11th-round technical knockout in October 2025. Those victories established him as a serious heavyweight contender.
Wardley’s first fight with Dubois ended his unbeaten professional record, but his early performance offered reasons for confidence. He scored two knockdowns and landed powerful right hands before Dubois mounted his comeback. Wardley has since had time to assess what went wrong and identify areas for improvement.
The rematch presents an opportunity to reclaim the WBO heavyweight title. Wardley will need to preserve the aggression that made him successful while improving his defensive discipline and managing his energy. If he can land cleanly without getting drawn into prolonged exchanges, he could put Dubois under significant pressure again.
Ultimately, the key difference may be how each fighter handles the opening rounds. Wardley has the power to threaten another upset, but Dubois has already shown he can recover and take control. That makes Dubois the slight favourite in our prediction, with a late stoppage remaining the most likely outcome.
