Dogli Wilberforce
The Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley heavyweight fight on May 9 at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester delivered one of the most brutal boxing matches of 2026. Daniel Dubois climbed off the canvas twice before stopping Fabio Wardley in the 11th round to win back the WBO world heavyweight title and become a two-time champion.
The fight featured constant exchanges, heavy punches, and dramatic momentum swings that kept fans on edge from start to finish. After the fight, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk shared his honest reaction during an interview with DAZN Boxing.
While Usyk praised Dubois for the victory, he also questioned Wardley’s tactics and raised concerns about the damage both fighters absorbed during the intense heavyweight fight. His comments quickly became one of the biggest talking points in boxing.
Oleksandr Usyk Criticizes Fabio Wardley’s Strategy in Daniel Dubois Fight
Oleksandr Usyk focused heavily on Fabio Wardley’s lack of basic boxing technique during the Daniel Dubois fight. Speaking to DAZN Boxing, Usyk questioned why Wardley failed to use his jab throughout the contest.
“It’s a street fight. Congratulations Dubois, good job, new world champion, but Fabio, where is jab? Fabio, where?. [He] never jabbed. Maybe once. Only right hand, only right hand. It’s not working. Very strong chin but I think this is a street fight, it’s a problem for both guys for [the] brain and health.”
Wardley entered the fight with strong momentum after defending the WBO title against Justis Huni and Joseph Parker in 2025. Many expected him to control the fight against Dubois. Instead, Wardley relied mainly on power punches and aggressive exchanges.
Dubois handled the pressure and slowly changed the fight with body shots and forward movement. As the rounds continued, Wardley absorbed more punishment while his offense became less effective.
Daniel Dubois Revives Heavyweight Boxing Career After Brutal Fabio Wardley Victory
Daniel Dubois victory marked another major moment in his heavyweight boxing comeback. Dubois had faced criticism after previous defeats, including his losses to Oleksandr Usyk. However, the British heavyweight showed toughness and patience against Wardley.
Dubois survived two knockdowns before taking control in the later rounds. His pressure and conditioning eventually overwhelmed Wardley in the 11th round.
The result also changed the immediate future of the heavyweight division. Usyk had previously shown interest in fighting the winner as he continues his pursuit of another undisputed heavyweight championship run. That plan will now be put on hold because Wardley activated the rematch clause in his contract.
Promoters are already discussing a second Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley fight after the first bout received praise from fans and boxing media.
Oleksandr Usyk Warns About Health Risks After Heavyweight Fight
Oleksandr Usyk’s biggest concern after the Daniel Dubois fight centered on fighter safety. The Ukrainian champion said the battle looked more like a “street fight” than a technical boxing match.
Both heavyweights absorbed clean punches for nearly 11 rounds. Wardley’s durability helped him stay in the fight, but his defensive mistakes allowed Dubois to land repeatedly.
Usyk’s comments reflect growing concerns in boxing about long-term health risks tied to repeated head trauma and punishing fights. Even though fans praised the action, Usyk stressed that constant exchanges without smart defense can create serious problems for fighters later in life.
At 39 years old, Usyk remains one of boxing’s top technical fighters. He is preparing to defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza this weekend.
For now, the heavyweight division remains focused on Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley, and the likely rematch that could shape the next title picture.
