Daniel Dubois Stops Fabio Wardley In Violent 11-Round Heavyweight War

The fight exploded into action immediately when Wardley landed a sweeping right hand inside the opening 15 seconds that dropped Dubois heavily. Wardley continued attacking aggressively during the first round and appeared close to forcing an early stoppage as Dubois struggled to settle into the fight.

Dubois Explodes

Dubois regrouped during the second round behind his jab and began boxing more patiently while forcing Wardley backward at times. The momentum shifted again in Round 3 when Wardley connected with another huge overhand right that sent Dubois down for a second time.
Instead of folding, Dubois gradually took greater control of the fight with his jab, combinations, and cleaner punching. He repeatedly backed Wardley toward the ropes while landing hard shots to both the head and body.

Wardley Shows Tremendous Heart

Wardley absorbed enormous punishment while continuing to fire back with counters and uppercuts during several violent exchanges in the middle rounds. Blood and swelling began building around Wardley’s face as Dubois steadily increased the pressure.

By the second half of the fight, Dubois’ superior volume and sharper work started separating him on the scorecards. Wardley remained dangerous and continued throwing back despite obvious damage, refusing to give in during several difficult rounds.

Referee Stops Fight In Round 11

The end finally came in Round 11 when Dubois pinned Wardley against the ropes and unloaded a sustained attack. Wardley was still attempting to fight back, but the punches continued landing cleanly as the referee stepped in to stop the contest.

The stoppage completed a dramatic comeback performance for Dubois, who recovered from two knockdowns to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.

The fight immediately entered the discussion as one of the leading fight-of-the-year candidates because of the momentum swings, knockdowns, punishment, and nonstop exchanges between the two British heavyweights.