Fabio Wardley Targets Redemption in October Rematch With Daniel Dubois

Fabio Wardley will seek to regain the WBO heavyweight title when he faces Daniel Dubois in a rematch at London's O2 Arena on October 17. BBC Sport reported the details from Wednesday's launch news conference, where Wardley accepted responsibility for his first professional defeat and said there would be "zero excuses" when the British heavyweights meet again.

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Dubois took the belt from Wardley in May after recovering from two knockdowns. Wardley put him on the canvas early and again in the third round, but Dubois recovered and stopped the Ipswich fighter in round 11. The result was Wardley's only loss, while Dubois became a two-time heavyweight world champion.

Wardley, 31, immediately activated the rematch clause in the fighters' agreement. Reflecting on the first contest, he said his early success caused him to become too comfortable and overly focused on landing his right hand to force a finish. He described himself as a victim of that success and said he intends to correct those mistakes.

Dubois, 28, entered the May fight after the third defeat of his 26-bout career, then twice rose from the canvas to win. He previously held the IBF heavyweight title in 2024. At the launch, Dubois called his current position a fresh start and said he wants to build momentum, while keeping his immediate attention on Wardley rather than looking past the rematch.

The October fight was announced at the O2 Arena on Saturday, when the two boxers faced off in the ring before Filip Hrgovic defeated Moses Itauma for the IBF heavyweight title. BBC Sport said both men spoke of increased respect after their demanding first fight, though their latest face-off still carried tension.

Promoter Frank Warren also outlined longer-term possibilities for the winner. His Queensberry stable currently includes Dubois, WBC champion Agit Kabayel and newly crowned IBF champion Hrgovic. Warren said he plans to keep those titleholders active in 2027, but Dubois's next assignment is fixed: defend the WBO belt against the challenger who dropped him twice before he rallied to win.