Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley II Confirmed for October 17 at London’s O2 Arena

London, England, UK - Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are set to do it all over again.

WBO heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will defend his title against former champion Fabio Wardley in an immediate rematch on Saturday, October 17, at the O2 Arena in London.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the long-anticipated return bout on Saturday, bringing one of the most memorable heavyweight battles of 2026 back for a second installment.

The rematch comes just over five months after Dubois and Wardley produced a punishing 11-round war at Co-op Live in Manchester.

Dubois, 23-3 (22 KOs), ultimately stopped Wardley, 20-1-1 (19 KOs), in the 11th round to capture the WBO heavyweight championship, but the final result tells only part of the story.

Wardley Came Close to Ending It Early

Wardley entered their May 9 meeting as the unbeaten WBO champion and wasted virtually no time putting Dubois in serious trouble.

Less than 10 seconds into the opening round, Wardley sent Dubois to the canvas with a huge right hand. Dubois recovered, only to find himself down again in the third.

At that point, Wardley appeared within touching distance of the biggest victory of his career.

But he couldn't finish the job.

Dubois steadied himself and gradually transformed the fight. His jab became increasingly effective, his heavier combinations began finding their target and Wardley started absorbing tremendous punishment.

By the middle rounds, the momentum had decisively shifted.

Wardley somehow remained upright through a sustained Dubois assault, displaying the extraordinary toughness that has defined his rise through the heavyweight division. Eventually, however, the punishment became too much.

Dubois attacked again early in the 11th and referee Howard Foster stepped in to stop the contest, crowning Dubois a two-time heavyweight world champion.

Frank Warren subsequently described the contest as the best heavyweight fight he had ever promoted.

Wardley Immediately Wanted Another Chance

There was little uncertainty about Wardley's intentions following his first professional defeat.

The 31-year-old activated the rematch clause contained in the original contract within days of the loss, putting himself straight back on course for another shot at Dubois and the championship he had just surrendered.

“The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved that without a shred of doubt,” Wardley said after activating the clause.

“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.”

The October date had been expected for several weeks, with Warren recently confirming that the fight was signed while Queensberry worked to finalize the venue.

That question has now been answered.

The rematch heads to London and the O2 Arena.

Dubois and Wardley Both Know What Is Possible

There is a natural intrigue surrounding the second meeting because both fighters emerged from the first with reasons for confidence.

Wardley knows he can hurt Dubois.

He didn't simply wobble the champion in Manchester — he put him on the canvas twice inside the opening three rounds and came dangerously close to changing the entire direction of the heavyweight division.

Dubois, however, learned something equally important.

He knows he can survive Wardley's power.

More importantly, he knows that if he can navigate the dangerous early stages, his strength, jab and combination punching can gradually break Wardley down.

It creates a fascinating tactical question ahead of the rematch.

Does Wardley attempt another explosive start and try to finish what he began in Manchester, or does he fight a more measured contest designed to prevent Dubois from taking control as the rounds progress?

For Dubois, the objective may be simpler: avoid the early disaster and resume the methodical work that ultimately won him the first fight.

Another Major Heavyweight Night in London

The October 17 showdown will bring the WBO heavyweight championship back to the O2 Arena and give Wardley an opportunity to reclaim the title only five months after losing it.

For Dubois, it represents the first defence of the championship he dramatically regained in Manchester.

For Wardley, it is immediate redemption or potentially the closing of an important chapter in his remarkable rise from white-collar boxing to the heavyweight championship of the world.

And considering what happened when these two shared a ring the first time, there is little reason to expect a quiet night in London.

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley have already proven that they are capable of hurting each other.

On October 17, they settle it again.