Wardley Dubois Talks Continue With May Date Discussed

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are in active talks for a potential heavyweight fight targeted for May 9 in Manchester. The proposed bout would position Wardley for an early voluntary defense if agreements are finalized.

Wardley enters the discussion as the WBO heavyweight champion after being elevated to the title when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt. His rise over the past year included stoppage wins over Justis Huni and Joseph Parker, results that shifted him from a domestic attraction into a wider heavyweight role. A bout with Dubois would mark a voluntary defense against a recognized contender rather than a stay busy fight.

Early voluntary defenses often reveal how firmly a new champion is being positioned.

From a matchmaking perspective, the fight would be above Wardley’s recent level of opposition without pushing him directly into title unification territory. It would also serve as a clear indicator of how quickly his team believes he should be tested early in his title run, particularly against a fighter with championship experience and proven power.

Dubois Targets Return To Heavyweight Relevance

Dubois is looking to rebuild following his July 2025 rematch loss to Usyk at Wembley Stadium. He boxed just once last year and has since undergone changes outside the ring, briefly working with Tony Sims before reuniting with Don Charles. He also signed with manager Sam Jones, a move that coincided with renewed talk of a return to major heavyweight assignments.

Public discussion around the matchup picked up this week when Dubois used social media to call on Wardley to sign a contract. The post increased visibility around the talks but did not confirm that terms had been agreed or that a date had been finalized.

If the fight moves forward, it would place Dubois back into a major domestic heavyweight position while giving Wardley a chance to defend his title against a proven name. For now, Manchester and May 9 function as reference points rather than confirmations, with clarity expected only once promotional or contractual steps are formally announced.