Derek Chisora has made his prediction for the upcoming heavyweight showdown between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, and the veteran sees only one winner. With Wardley set to make the first defence of his WBO crown against former IBF world champion Dubois, Chisora believes the champion’s grit will be decisive on May 9 at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
Wardley earned his position in dramatic fashion last October, halting Joseph Parker in an upset victory that preserved his unbeaten record and secured the WBO interim heavyweight title. A clash with then undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk appeared to be next, but Usyk chose to vacate the WBO belt rather than face the Ipswich man. Wardley was subsequently elevated to full WBO world champion, capping off what was described as a remarkable 2025.
Now 31, Wardley enters 2026 with a new mission: to prove he belongs among the division’s elite. His decision to face Dubois in a voluntary defence signals intent, as he looks to establish himself against one of Britain’s biggest heavyweight names in what will be the sixth heavyweight world title fight staged in Manchester.
Speaking to BoxNation, Chisora explained why he expects Wardley to come out on top. “I believe that Fabio and Daniel [is a] great fight. I see Fabio winning it. Fabio’s tough. Fabio hasn’t got boxing skills; what he has is f&%$ing heart, bro. When you fight somebody with heart, it’s going to be a long night. He got hit [against Parker], but he carries on coming.”
Image Credit: Daily Mail