'They've both got to fight!' - Frank Warren discloses conversations about first Fabio Wardley defence

Fabio Wardley could make the first defence of his WBO heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois, with Frank Warren disclosing conversations about their futures.

The former claimed the interim strap last September against Joseph Parker before he was elevated to the full belt after Oleksandr Usyk vacated a month later.

Since then, Wardley has been linked to bouts with foes as varied as Tyson Fury, Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang, while terms fell through to face Derek Chisora.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Queensberry Promotions boss Warren teased a possible matchup between the star and ex-IBF champion Dubois.

The Ring

"We're talking to Fabio about various things and also to Daniel," he said. "Whatever happens, they've both got to fight, they both want to fight and they will fight.

Dubois has not fought since he lost his crown to Usyk in an undisputed title fight at Wembley Stadium last July, subsequently splitting from trainer Don Charles.

The Briton rehired the latter last month six months on, with Warren confirming now that both fighters are bidding to return to the ring in April or May at the latest.

Movement for Wardley comes as Usyk plots his next move, after his pursuit of Deontay Wilder fell through, with the latter electing to face Chisora instead in London.

Wardley-Dubois bout an intriguing domestic dust-up

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

Heading into 2026, most fight fans would have told you that a long-awaited Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua dance would be top of the domestic heavyweight card this year.

With the latter's plans currently in the air as he takes time away from the ring following a personal tragedy though, Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are in the conversation.

The former has been frustrated in his pursuit of big nights since he came from behind to stop Joseph Parker last October at The O2 Arena, earning his biggest scalp yet.

His elevation to full WBO champion means he has a target on his back right now too - and now, at last, a fellow top operator may be ready to agree terms in Dubois.

The latter will be keen to avenge his loss - and a poor one at that - against Usyk last summer. But he will need to bring his smarts back to the ring against Wardley too.

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