Dubois vs Wardley 2: Londoner Retains Title with Dominant Second-Round Stoppage - BBC Sport
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Dubois destroys Wardley in two rounds to retain title
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Daniel Dubois (left) has picked up 13 of his 24 wins inside two rounds
By Kal Sajad, BBC Sport boxing journalist at O2 Arena, London
Published 17 October 2026
Daniel Dubois underlined his status as Britain's leading heavyweight with a devastating second-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley to retain his WBO title in London.
The 29-year-old floored Wardley with a straight right inside the opening 20 seconds of their eagerly anticipated rematch at the O2 Arena and continued his relentless assault.
Wardley survived the opening round but was overwhelmed by another sustained attack in the second, prompting his corner to throw in the towel.
Dubois registers a second successive stoppage victory over Wardley, just five months after climbing off the canvas twice to dethrone his British rival in a thrilling 11-round contest in Manchester.
This time, there was no such drama for the champion, who was dominant from the opening bell as he extended his professional record to 24 wins – 23 by knockout – and three defeats.
"Fabio is a great boy, coming in for the second time, but it was my time and my era," Dubois said. "I had my intentions, bad intentions from the beginning. My back was against the wall the first time, this time we just had to go out there and show that we mean business, which is what we did tonight."
Wardley, 31, suffered the second defeat of his 23-fight professional career.
"I have always thrown myself in with the best competitors out there, the best in the business, the biggest, hardest, meanest guys around so, there is no shame in a loss when you're testing yourself against the best," he said.
'My time, my era' - Dubois beats Wardley to retain WBO heavyweight title - reaction
Dubois v Wardley II - The Debrief
Dubois comes out with intent in one-sided title defence
Image source: Reuters
Image caption: Daniel Dubois turned professional in 2017
A sell-out crowd of 19,000 packed the O2 Arena and made their allegiances clear. Wardley's charismatic yet measured personality has made him a popular figure. He looked full of purpose as he took his time on stage, fireworks exploding in front of him, his usual smile replaced by a look of determination.
Dubois, meanwhile, was greeted by jeers as he marched straight past the fireworks and towards the ring, wasting little time soaking up the occasion. Actor Paddy Considine, comedian Rob Beckett, Oasis star Noel Gallagher, and darts world champion Luke Littler were among the famous faces in attendance.
With 41 knockouts between the fighters, few expected the judges to be called upon. The feeling beforehand was that Wardley's best chance lay in making another fast start, having dropped Dubois inside the opening moments of their first meeting.
But in a stunning reversal, it took just 17 seconds for Wardley to hit the canvas as Dubois backed him into a corner and landed a straight right.
Chants of "oh Fabio Wardley" were quickly silenced as Dubois continued to unload punishing combinations. Another furious attack towards the end of the round left Wardley in deep trouble.