McGuigan questions the punishment Wardley absorbed after Dubois stopped him in the 11th round

Barry McGuigan believes Fabio Wardley absorbed dangerous punishment during his stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois on Saturday night in Manchester. Wardley was dropped repeatedly by jabs and power shots before the fight was stopped in the 11th round.

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That was a dreadful beating Wardley took, those punches that Dubois landed were heavy and sickening and they looked to have done irreparable damage to Wardley. You can see the cuts and the bruising, what you can’t see is the internal damage or the physiological damage. https://t.co/k7HXeLlWU9

— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) May 10, 2026

The fight became increasingly difficult to watch during the championship rounds as Wardley continued taking heavy shots while struggling to defend himself consistently.

A major talking point afterward centered on the start of the 10th round when Wardley appeared unsteady walking from his corner before continuing.

Yes of course he struggled with his breathing because his nose looked like it was busted up and broken from 3/4 rounds into the fight. It’s hard to breath when blood is running down the back of your nose into your throat and your gasping for breath at the same time. https://t.co/cNHzQYaR6S

— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) May 10, 2026

Wardley later received stitches backstage and was taken to the hospital following the fight.
Despite the punishment, Wardley reportedly has a rematch clause for a second fight with Dubois, although promoter Frank Warren has already suggested an immediate rematch is unlikely because both heavyweights will need recovery time after the brutal contest.