Get ready for a heavyweight showdown that’s already sparking debates! Derek Chisora has boldly declared there’s only one winner in the upcoming Wardley vs Dubois clash, and his prediction might just surprise you. In just three months, Great Britain will host another blockbuster title fight as Fabio Wardley defends his newly acquired WBO heavyweight crown against former IBF champion Daniel Dubois. But here’s where it gets controversial: Chisora is putting all his chips on Wardley, and his reasoning is as fiery as the fight itself.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Last October, Wardley pulled off a stunning upset by halting Joseph Parker, securing both his undefeated record and the WBO interim heavyweight title. This victory seemed to set the stage for a showdown with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. But in a twist that shocked the boxing world, Usyk vacated the WBO title rather than face Wardley, paving the way for the Ipswich fan-favorite to become the full WBO world champion—a remarkable end to 2025.
Now, Wardley has a new challenge: proving he’s not just a champion by default but a true elite contender. To do that, he’s chosen a tough voluntary defense against fellow Brit Daniel Dubois, set to take place in Manchester. And this is the part most people miss: Wardley’s rise isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart, grit, and an unrelenting will to win.
In a recent interview with BoxNation, Chisora broke down why he’s backing Wardley. ‘Fabio and Daniel—it’s a great fight,’ he said. ‘But I see Fabio winning it. Fabio’s tough. He might not have the polished boxing skills, but what he’s got is f***ing heart, bro. When you fight someone with that kind of heart, it’s going to be a long night. He got hit against Parker, but he kept coming.’
Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at the Co-op Live Arena, this will be Manchester’s sixth heavyweight world title fight. But the real question is: Can Wardley’s heart outweigh Dubois’s experience and power? Is Chisora’s prediction spot on, or is he underestimating Dubois? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one fight where opinions are as divided as they come!
