Wardley vs Dubois - The violent heavyweight title fight that should come with a warning sign

When Daniel Dubois was stopped by Oleksandr Usyk last July, most left Wembley Stadium, the scene of his defining moment just a year before when he destroyed Anthony Joshua, believing that the London heavyweight could struggle to find his way in the title mix after such an emphatic setback. 

On May 9, live and exclusive on DAZN PPV and DAZN Ultimate Tier, Dubois is back in action, and the stakes do not get much higher as he will face Fabio Wardley in what will likely be a violent battle that should come with warning signs attached. 

For Dubois, this opportunity, one that some may say is undeserved, is not built on the events of what occurred in the summer of 2025.

FLASH SALE: Buy Barrios vs. Garcia PPV between Friday Feb 13 12pm ET / 5pm GMT and Saturday 14 12pm ET / 5pm GMT for just $55.99 / £19.99

This fight, regardless of what title is attached, is a stunning piece of matchmaking that will surely deliver one of the most action-packed fights of the year between arguably the heavyweight division's two biggest punchers. 

For all Dubois’ flaws, weaknesses that have followed him around since a 2020 loss to Joe Joyce, his improvement in recent years has been a success story for boxing. It has proved that sticking to a long-term plan and not panicking under pressure can deliver the goods. 

Dubois’ breathtaking run following his first loss to Usyk in 2023 saw him display a ruthless streak as he bit down on his gumshield to obliterate the likes of Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Joshua.

These assured demonstrations of aggression made Dubois a serious player, but there is now a belief he is back to day zero after his IBF crown was ripped away from by the magical Ukrainian. 

In Wardley, Dubois may see a fighter who is similar to himself from an offensive standpoint. But whereas the vicious critics of boxing have stuck unfavourable labels on Dubois regarding his durability, they have applauded relentlessly when observing the grit possessed by Wardley. 

The Ipswich slugger, uncompromising and unpretty, has bludgeoned his way to the upper echelons of the heavyweight division without the finesse and polish that usually coats this division's main man throughout history.

A vast portion of heavyweight greats own Olympic gold medals. Wardley did not have an amateur fight. His journey to the top is a remarkable one without many duplicates. 

After surviving crises against Justis Huni and Joseph Parker, Wardley may prefer to avoid one altogether against Dubois, but history has taught us he is there to be hit. Team Dubois will be extremely confident that when their man lands, it may be enough to end the fight at that moment. 

That is correct. Dubois’ incredible power, in both hands, has caused severe damage to elite operators, but what happens if Wardley recovers and lands his own attacks on Dubois, more spiteful than the ones that have seen him succumb to Joyce and Usyk? 

That has always been the case with Dubois and if he can answer those assaults with flying colours on May 9, then he could become heavyweight champion for a third time.

If not, then the road back from a second successive defeat, his fourth overall, may be one he is unable to travel.

Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPVs included in your subscription 

Subscribe to DAZN's new Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia on Feb 21, and Wardley vs. Dubois on May 9, on top of another 185 fight nights. Plus Serie A football, watch on multiple devices, and many more extra benefits.

Sign up for £22.99 in the UK / $44.99 in the U.S. More details here.