Fabio Wardley to defend WBO title against Daniel Dubois at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on May 9

Manchester, England, UK - Fabio Wardley will make the first defence of his WBO world heavyweight title against fellow Brit Daniel Dubois on Saturday, May 9, in a blockbuster all-British championship clash at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.

The unbeaten Wardley, who captured the WBO championship last year, will put the belt on the line against Dubois, the former IBF world heavyweight titleholder, in what promises to be one of the most explosive heavyweight matchups in the UK this year.

Champion Wardley’s rise

Wardley (20-0-1, 17 KOs) earned the WBO title after a breakthrough 2025 campaign — including a dramatic comeback knockout of Justis Huni and a career-defining 11th-round TKO win over former world champion Joseph Parker. Following the Parker victory, Wardley was elevated from interim champion to full WBO champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt rather than face him.

The Ipswich native enters the bout riding the momentum of an unbeaten professional record and a 100 percent knockout finish rate in his wins, setting up a major domestic showdown against his fellow Brit.

Dubois looks to reclaim world gold

Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) was previously the IBF heavyweight champion and remains one of the most dangerous punchers in the division. The 28-year-old Londoner returns to the world title scene following a high-profile rematch loss to Usyk in 2025 that ended his reign. Before that defeat, Dubois scored one of his most notable victories with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium.

Now back in the title picture, Dubois will be aiming to reclaim world championship status with a win in Manchester.

Matchup significance

The Wardley vs. Dubois fight marks Wardley’s first world title defence and one of the most anticipated all-British heavyweight clashes of recent years. Both men possess significant knockout power and contrasting career arcs, setting the stage for what many expect will be a thrilling fight from the opening bell.

With a victorious performance, Wardley could further solidify his position atop the heavyweight landscape and potentially line up future blockbuster bouts, while Dubois looks to return to the summit of the division.