Dubois stops Wardley in 11th round to take WBO heavyweight boxing title

"Referee Howard Foster finally stepped in at the start of the 11th round to signal the end of the fight at the Co-Op Live Arena on Saturday. Wardley was bleeding heavily from the bridge of the nose, with his right eye almost closed. Dubois rose twice from the canvas, including being dropped by a right hook in the first 10 seconds of the fight, to pulverise Wardley and become a World Heavyweight champion for the second time in his career."

"Daniel Dubois came back from two knockdowns to deal Fabio Wardley a brutal and bloody first defeat as a professional and take the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) World Heavyweight title in a thunderous all-British clash in Manchester, United Kingdom. It was a war. We came through the sticky moments. Thank you, Fabio, for that, said Dubois, who was previously International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion after the belt was vacated by Oleksandr Usyk in 2024."

"The win was Dubois's 23rd as a professional in 26 fights, while Wardley now has a 20-1-1 record. Veteran promoter Frank Warren, who manages both men, said it was the best heavyweight fight he had ever put on and confirmed there was a rematch clause in the contract. For some viewers, however, it was also an uncomfortable watch that could have been stopped earlier."

"The 31-year-old Wardley, who was promoted to WBO champion last November after Usyk vacated the title, was making his first defence and showed immense heart as he took a tremendous beating yet refused to capitulate. He had his opponent on the floor, a blow Dubois, 28, later dismissed as a flash knockdown, almost with the opening bell still sounding. Dubois was back on one knee in round three but came close to a stoppage i"

Daniel Dubois recovered from two knockdowns to defeat Fabio Wardley by stoppage and win the WBO World Heavyweight title in an all-British fight in Manchester. Wardley suffered heavy bleeding from the nose and had his right eye nearly closed as the bout progressed. Dubois rose twice from the canvas, including after being dropped by a right hook within the first seconds, and continued to pressure Wardley through a brutal contest. Referee Howard Foster stopped the fight at the start of the 11th round. Dubois improved to 23 wins in 26 professional fights, while Wardley fell to a 20-1-1 record. A rematch clause was confirmed.

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