Fabio Wardley Triggers Rematch Clause Against Daniel Dubois

Less than a week after his 11th-round defeat to Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley has activated his rematch clause.

The clash, which saw Dubois crowned the new WBO heavyweight champion, was an incredibly tough encounter for both fighters. Dubois overcame knockdowns in the first and third rounds, applying relentless pressure on his opponent. Wardley's face was severely battered, and despite his continuous retaliation, many believed the fight should have been stopped earlier by referee Howard Foster, who eventually intervened in the penultimate round.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Wardley stated: “The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved it beyond a shadow of a 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,” he added.

Wardley had been elevated to WBO champion without having won a title fight. Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, and Wardley, who defeated Joseph Parker last year to earn interim champion status, was subsequently promoted.

The 31-year-old boxer, whose record now stands at 20-1-1 (19 KOs) after the loss to Dubois, is awaiting his facial injuries to heal but did not require hospital treatment after the bout.