Wardley vs. Dubois

Main Card

Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois: Dubois wins by TKO in the 11th round.

Jack Rafferty vs. Ekow Essuman: Rafferty wins by TKO in the 6th round (corner stoppage).

Bradley Rea vs. Liam Cameron: Rea wins by TKO in the 4th round.

Zak Chelli vs. David Morrell: Chelli wins by TKO in the 10th round.

Gavin Gwynne vs. Khaleel Majid: Gwynne wins by MD (95–95, 96–94, 96–94).

Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Agron Smakici: Jalolov wins by TKO in the 7th round (corner stoppage).

Fabio Wardley will make the first defense of his WBO heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois in an all-British clash on Saturday, May 9, at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester.

Wardley, 31, was elevated to champion in November after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt rather than make a mandatory defense against the Ipswich fighter. Now 20-0-1 with 19 knockouts, Wardley has quickly positioned himself among the division’s most dangerous punchers.

“I've never been in this game to play around. I'm committed to big fights only,” Wardley said. “I'm the champion, this is a voluntary defence, and I chose this. One thing you can't ever say about me is I've shied away from a challenge. I've always gone looking for the biggest tests, and I'd back myself against anyone in this division. This is one of the biggest fights that can be made in the heavyweight division right now and the best part is, it doesn't need the extra stuff, this fight sells itself.”

Watch Parker vs. Wardley highlights: Watch

Dubois, 28, is a former IBF titleholder who stopped Anthony Joshua in September 2024 before losing the belt to Usyk at Wembley in July 2025 - his second defeat to the Ukrainian. The May bout will mark Dubois’ sixth world title fight as he attempts to become a two-time world champion.

Promoter Frank Warren described the contest as “another piece of British heavyweight history being made,” adding: “This is quite simply the most exciting and explosive fight available for Fabio's first defence of his WBO world title, and it tells you everything about him that this is the fight he demanded. For Daniel to be attempting to become a two-time world champion at just 28 is equally remarkable. This will be his sixth world title fight, and across that run only Oleksandr Usyk has been able to defeat him.”

Event also features a strong undercard across the heavyweight, light heavyweight, welterweight and super lightweight divisions. David Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) faces Zak Chelli (16-3-1, 8 KOs) at light heavyweight after Morrell’s planned fight with Callum Smith fell through due to injury. Morrell enters as the more proven operator, with his only defeat coming against David Benavidez, while Chelli steps up again after winning the vacant English title at 175 pounds.

At welterweight, Jack Rafferty (26-0-1, 17 KOs) meets Ekow Essuman (22-2, 8 KOs) in a fight that could bring serious action. Rafferty moves up after his majority draw with Mark Chamberlain, while Essuman returns with pressure on his career following a heavy defeat to Jack Catterall.

Watch the official weigh-in highlights: Watch

Bakhodir Jalolov (16-0, 14 KOs) also appears in a heavyweight bout against Agron Smakici (21-3, 19 KOs). Jalolov is a two-time Olympic super heavyweight champion and will be looking for a sharper statement in the professional ranks, while Smakici brings power and experience.

Liam Cameron (24-7-1, 10 KOs) takes on Brad Rea (21-2, 10 KOs) at light heavyweight, with Rea returning to the Co-op Live Arena after his European title defeat to Lyndon Arthur. Cameron comes in after a controversial win over Troy Jones, following his stoppage loss to Ben Whittaker.

At super lightweight, unbeaten Khaleel Majid (16-0, 4 KOs) faces experienced Gavin Gwynne (18-4-2, 5 KOs). Majid gets a clear step up, while Gwynne brings the experience of a former British and European lightweight champion.

Watch Prelims live here: Watch