Daniel Dubois-Fabio Wardley Rematch Could Land October 17

Dubois stopped Wardley in the 11th round of their May 9 fight in Manchester following an exhausting battle in which both heavyweights had difficult moments. Wardley dropped Dubois twice early, putting himself in position to take control before Dubois worked his way back into the fight.

Dubois gradually took over as the rounds passed, landing the cleaner, heavier punches while Wardley absorbed increasing damage. The punishment accumulated before Dubois forced the stoppage in the 11th.

Wardley exercised his contractual right to an immediate rematch rather than taking an interim fight. An October 17 return would leave him with little time to recover physically before beginning another training camp for the same opponent.

That decision recently drew criticism from former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi, who questioned the wisdom of going directly back into another fight with Dubois. Malignaggi believes Wardley has the punching power to change a fight instantly but sees a considerable skill advantage for Dubois.

The possible October date makes Malignaggi’s concern more relevant. Wardley would have to recover physically, make tactical adjustments and prepare for another demanding heavyweight fight just over five months after the first one.

A quick return also gives Dubois an opportunity to repeat his first result before Wardley has much time to make major changes. Wardley has already shown that he can hurt Dubois. Five months may not be enough to correct the technical weaknesses Dubois exploited as their first fight progressed.