Daniel Dubois makes promise as Fabio Wardley fight is confirmed

The speculation is over! Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois will meet on May 9 in Manchester, live worldwide on DAZN PPV and DAZN Ultimate. This heavyweight showdown will be for Wardley’s WBO heavyweight title. Via a press release from Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren has given his reaction, as has Daniel Dubois, who made a promise ahead of May 9.

Queensberry Promotions announce Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois

Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois has been dubbed “Don’t Blink” with these two heavy-hitters locking horns for the WBO heavyweight title. This all-British showdown will be at Co-op Live in Manchester on May 9.

Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) and Dubois have proven how hard they punch, with a brutal slew of knockouts. Wardley was upgraded from interim status to the full WBO champion, following his entertaining stoppage win against Joseph Parker. 

Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) enjoyed a renaissance after his first loss to Oleksandr Usyk, defeating Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua, before losing again to Usyk.

He was upgraded to full IBF champion after the Hrgovic win, defending in brutal fashion against AJ.

Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois: Frank Warren reacts

Reacting to the confirmation of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, 

Frank Warren, Founder and Chairman of Queensberry, said: 

“This is another piece of British heavyweight history being made.” 

“This is quite simply the most exciting and explosive fight available for Fabio’s first defence of his WBO world title, and it tells you everything about him that this is the fight he demanded.

“Fabio’s journey has been extraordinary and inspiring. Time and again he is written off, and time and again he proves people wrong. He keeps stepping up, keeps taking on bigger challenges, and keeps delivering, often against the odds.

“For Daniel to be attempting to become a two-time world champion at just 28 is equally remarkable. This will be his sixth world title fight, and across that run only Oleksandr Usyk has been able to defeat him.

“Manchester is in for an incredible night, and British boxing will be on full display.”

Wardley and Dubois have their say on May 9

Reacting to the confirmation of the fight, Wardley said:

“I’ve never been in this game to play around — I’m committed to big fights only. I’m the champion, this is a voluntary defence, and I chose this.

I’m not about to win a world title and then take easy fights or hide away with it — I’m not running off with my belt. One thing you can’t ever say about me is I’ve shied away from a challenge. I’ve always gone looking for the biggest tests, and I’d back myself against anyone in this division.  

This is one of the biggest fights that can be made in the heavyweight division right now — and the best part is, it doesn’t need the extra stuff… this fight sells itself. With me, you know what you’re getting — drama and entertainment — and when that first bell goes, it’s going to be fireworks.”

Sending a clear message to his opponent, Dubois said:

“On the 9th May the world title reign is over for Fabio, and I will become champion again. Let’s go.”