Daniel Dubois stops Fabio Wardley in violent 11-round heavyweight war

The fight immediately exploded into action when Wardley landed a sweeping right hand inside the opening 15 seconds that dropped Dubois heavily. Wardley stayed aggressive throughout the first round and looked close to forcing an early strike as Dubois struggled to settle into the fight.

Dubois explodes

Dubois regrouped behind his jab during the second round and started boxing more patiently while forcing Wardley back at times. The momentum shifted again in Round 3 when Wardley connected with another big overhand right that sent Dubois down for a second time.
Instead of folding, Dubois gradually took greater control of the fight with his jab, combinations and cleaner striking. He repeatedly backed Wardley into the ropes while landing hard shots to both the head and body.

Wardley shows tremendous heart

Wardley absorbed enormous punishment as he continued to fire back with counters and uppercuts during several violent exchanges in the middle rounds. Blood and swelling began to build around Wardley’s face as Dubois gradually increased the pressure.

By the second half of the fight, Dubois’ superior volume and sharper work began to separate him on the scorecards. Wardley remained dangerous and continued to throw back despite obvious damage, refusing to give in during several tough rounds.

Referee stops fight in round 11

The end finally came in Round 11 when Dubois pinned Wardley against the ropes and unloaded a sustained attack. Wardley still tried to fight back, but the punches continued to land cleanly as the referee stepped in to stop the bout.

The stoppage completed a dramatic comeback performance for Dubois, who recovered from two knockdowns to become a two-time world heavyweight champion.

The fight immediately entered the discussion as one of the leading fight-of-the-year candidates due to the momentum swings, takedowns, punishment, and non-stop exchanges between the two British heavyweights.