Daniel Dubois pushes for quick Fabio Wardley rematch

Daniel Dubois says he has no interest in waiting around for Fabio Wardley to trigger his rematch clause after stopping the former champion in the 11th round May 9.

Dubois, who survived two early knockdowns before halting Wardley at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, told talkSPORT he respects the contractual rematch but wants to defend his WBO heavyweight title sooner than later. "Well, that's what they're talking about, but I'm not going to wait on no one," Dubois said, per The Ring. "I'm going to get busy with that belt, defend that belt, and I can't wait to start improving."

What Dubois wants beyond Wardley rematch

The London heavyweight remains focused on becoming undisputed champion, which means a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Dubois has dropped two straight to the Ukrainian, most recently by fifth-round knockout in July at Wembley Stadium, but believes he has closed the gaps in his game since then. "I think we'll just cover up some of the holes I had in my game and my team last time, so I feel like it's just going to be a whole new complete fighter," he said.

Usyk holds the Ring, IBF, WBA, and WBC titles but said he is nearing retirement. The WBC ordered Usyk on Monday to defend against Germany's Agit Kabayel next, making a third Dubois fight less likely in the near term.

Wardley absorbed brutal punishment over 11 rounds before the stoppage and exercised his contractual right to an immediate rematch shortly after the loss. Frank Warren reportedly expects the return bout to take place at a stadium venue in autumn, giving Wardley several months to recover from the war.

Source: ringmagazine.com