Dubois vs Wardley 2 Set For October After May War

Daniel Dubois will defend his WBO heavyweight title against Fabio Wardley on October 17th at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena, according to The Ring, just five months after stopping the Brit in their first meeting.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed an October date for the rematch earlier this week, per Bad Left Hook, with the venue set to host the sequel to one of the year's most violent heavyweight contests. Wardley activated his rematch clause immediately after the May loss.

Quick Turnaround After Grueling May Slugfest

The turnaround is remarkably fast given the punishment both absorbed in their initial clash. Wardley dropped Dubois twice in the opening rounds before the champion rallied with a sustained beating that forced an 11th-round stoppage, despite the challenger never hitting the canvas.

Dubois improved to 23-3 with 22 knockouts in the first bout, while Wardley suffered his first pro defeat and now stands 20-1-1 with 19 stoppages. Both heavyweights have built reputations on throwing defense aside in favor of all-out exchanges.

The October date gives each fighter roughly five months to recover and prepare for another potential war in Manchester.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 eyed for October