Daniel Dubois has been handed a major boost in his pursuit of becoming a world heavyweight champion once again.
The hard-hitting 28-year-old from London is yet to make a return to the ring since he was stopped in the 5th round of his historic rematch with Oleksandr Usyk back in July of last year.
Dubois previously held the IBF world heavyweight title and made just one defence of his crown when he produced an emphatic stoppage victory over countryman Anthony Joshua in September 2024.
It has now been confirmed that Dubois has been granted a world title shot in what will be his first ring appearance since that brutal defeat to Usyk last summer.
As revealed by Ariel Helwani on social media, Dubois is set to challenge the newly-crowned WBO world heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley on Saturday May 9, with an official announcement expected to be made very soon.
Breaking: Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois for the WBO world heavyweight title is a done deal for May 9th, per multiple sources.
The fight will take place in the UK. Venue is still TBC.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 10, 2026
A venue for Wardley and Dubois’ intriguing domestic showdown has not yet been revealed, although the bout will take place in the United Kingdom.
Wardley is faced with a challenging first world title defence although the unbeaten Ipswich-native will be brimming with confidence after he pulled off an impressive 11th round stoppage victory over Joseph Parker in October.
The 31-year-old was elevated to full WBO heavyweight champion in November after former title holder Oleksandr Usyk opted to vacate the belt in a surprising decision.
