Fabio Wardley’s heavyweight title fight with Daniel Dubois has been confirmed for May 9 in Manchester, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions announced on Friday.
Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KO) will defend his title for the first time against Dubois (22-3, 21 KO) at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, northern England.
Wardley is coming off a win over Joseph Parker in October and was elevated to full WBO champion in November. This will be his first title defense.
Dubois is looking to bounce back from his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last summer and could become a two-time heavyweight champion in his first fight, having previously held the IBF title.
“This is another piece of British heavyweight history,” Warren said.
“This is quite simply the most thrilling and explosive fight of Fabio’s first WBO world title defense, and it says everything he has ever demanded about him.
“Fabio’s journey has been extraordinary and inspiring. He has been written off time and again and has proven people wrong time and time again. He continues to make progress, take on greater challenges and deliver results, often against the odds.
“What is equally extraordinary is that Daniel is trying to become a two-time world champion at the age of only 28. This will be his sixth world title fight and in this series only Oleksandr Usyk has been able to beat him.”
Wardley wanted to fight Usyk after his victory over Parker, but the fight never happened. He also exchanged comments on social media with Tyson Fury, who will fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in April.
“I’ve never been in this game to have fun. I only get involved in huge fights. I’m the champion, it’s a voluntary defense and I chose it,” Wardley said.
“I’m not going to win a world title and then take uncomplicated fights or hide from it.
“I’m not running away with the belt. One thing that can’t be said about me is that I’ve shied away from challenges. I’ve always looked for the biggest tests and I’d put myself up against anyone in this division.
“It’s one of the biggest fights you can have in the heavyweight division right now, and the best thing is it doesn’t need any extra stuff… This fight sells itself.
“With me, you know what you’re getting – drama and entertainment – and when the first bell rings, it’s going to be fireworks.”