Dubois vs. Wardley II: Heavyweight Rivals Run It Back in London

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley meet again on Saturday, October 17th, with the WBO World Heavyweight Championship on the line at The O2 Arena in London. Billed as Run It Back, the rematch follows their dramatic May encounter in Manchester, where Dubois recovered from two knockdowns to stop Wardley in the 11th round and take his title.

Five months later, their roles are reversed. Dubois arrives as champion, looking to prove his comeback victory was no one-off. Wardley returns as the challenger, determined to avenge his first professional defeat and reclaim the belt.

A First Fight That Demanded a Sequel

Their opening encounter at Manchester’s Co-op Live delivered drama almost immediately. Wardley dropped Dubois inside the first 10 seconds, then sent him to the canvas again in the third round. But the Londoner survived both setbacks and began taking control from the fourth.

Wardley refused to go down despite absorbing sustained punishment, before referee Howard Foster intervened in round 11. The fight has since been widely discussed as a leading contender for 2026’s Fight of the Year.

As the defending champion making a voluntary defence, Wardley held an immediate rematch clause. He exercised it after the defeat, securing another opportunity rather than taking a rebuilding fight.

Dubois Aims to Make His Reign Stick

Dubois enters the rematch at 23–3 with 22 knockouts. The 29-year-old’s victory in May made him a two-time world heavyweight champion, having previously held the IBF title. Saturday will be the first defence of his WBO championship.

His first performance against Wardley demonstrated more than punching power. After a disastrous opening, Dubois recovered, maintained his pressure and gradually changed the direction of the fight. That resilience was central to his victory.

The challenge now is to deliver a more controlled performance. Dubois already knows he can hurt and stop Wardley, but the two early knockdowns showed the danger of giving his rival opportunities before establishing his own rhythm.

Wardley Seeks Redemption

Wardley arrives with a 20–1–1 record and 19 knockouts. The 31-year-old from Ipswich had been unbeaten before their first meeting, making this the first time he has prepared to face an opponent who has already defeated him.

There are positives for the former champion to build on. His early success proved he could hurt Dubois, and he twice put himself in a position to finish the fight. The rematch asks a different question: can he turn those moments into a sustained winning performance without allowing Dubois to take over?

For Wardley, reclaiming the championship would do more than erase a defeat. It would reverse the result of one of the year’s most demanding heavyweight contests and restore his position as WBO champion.

O’Doherty and Gomez Jr. Fight for Domestic Titles

The supporting card includes a British and Commonwealth lightweight championship bout between unbeaten titleholder Louie O’Doherty and Michael Gomez Jr. O’Doherty brings a 12–0 record with three knockouts, while Gomez enters at 23–2 with eight stoppage victories.

Gomez has rebuilt momentum following his defeat to Reece Bellotti in early 2025. Stoppage wins over Jordan Flynn and Lee McGregor this year have earned him another opportunity to claim domestic honours.

Jalolov Faces Dacres

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Bakhodir Jalolov meets former English heavyweight champion Solomon Dacres in another prominent undercard contest. Jalolov is unbeaten at 17–0 with 15 knockouts, while Dacres brings a 10–1 record with three stoppages.

For Jalolov, the bout offers a chance to strengthen his professional credentials against an established British heavyweight. For Dacres, it is an opportunity to upset a decorated opponent and significantly raise his own standing.

Other advertised contests include Tony Curtis against Kerim Agius, Leighton Birchall against Luis Vara Carrillo, Nelson Birchall against Levi Giles, and Adam Olaniyan against Dan Garber. Published listings differ on the placement of some supporting bouts, so the final running order remains subject to confirmation.