Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois delivered on their promise of producing an incredible heavyweight showdown in Manchester on Saturday night.
It was all-action from the opening bell as Wardley needed just 10 seconds to send former IBF world heavyweight champion Dubois to the canvas, which was met with an explosive roar from the crowd at the sold out Co-op Live Arena.
‘DDD’ found his way back into the fight, catching his countryman with a number of heavy shots before he found himself on the floor once again in the third round, with many believing Wardley was closing in on the victory.
Despite suffering two knockdowns, Dubois bounced back once more and came close to closing the show after hurting Wardley towards the end of the sixth round, but the grit of the defending WBO heavyweight champion shone through yet again.
Dubois began to take control heading into the later rounds, with Wardley suffering a brutal cut to his nose and severe swelling on his eye after finding himself on the receiving end of a number of thunderous right hands that appeared to take a toll on the champion.
Wardley continued to show immense bravery heading into the 11th round but the heavy hands of Dubois ultimately proved to be too much for the Ipswich native, as referee Howard Foster stepped in to wave the bout off in the penultimate round of what was an outstanding heavyweight spectacle.
Boxing’s banner division has been shaken up once again with Dubois being crowned a world heavyweight champion for the second time. Wardley’s stock does not drop, however, and he still has not been knocked down.
