Dubois knocks out Wardley after two knockdowns to become WBO heavyweight champion
Kyiv • UNN
Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley by technical knockout in the 11th round to become the WBO champion. The Briton recovered after two knockdowns early in the fight.
British boxer Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley by technical knockout in the 11th round to claim the WBO heavyweight title. This was reported by AP, according to UNN.
Details
The fight took place at the Co-op Live arena. According to the agency, Dubois arrived late for the bout due to traffic congestion.
Just 10 seconds in, Wardley sent Dubois to the canvas with a right hand, and repeated the knockdown in the third round. Despite this, the former IBF champion managed to turn the tide of the fight and gradually seized the initiative.
Dubois landed a series of heavy blows that caused severe swelling and bleeding on Wardley's face. At the beginning of the 11th round, referee Howard Foster stopped the fight.
For Wardley, this defeat was the first of his professional career. His record now stands at 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.
Dubois may face Itauma
For Dubois, the victory marked a comeback following his loss to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, who knocked out the Briton in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium last July and took his IBF belt.
Following the victory, Dubois may face British prospect Moses Itauma in his next fight, who was present at ringside.
On the evening's undercard, Zak Chelli scored a sensational knockout against Cuban David Morrell in the 10th round of their light heavyweight bout.
Additionally, Jack Rafferty made a successful welterweight debut—Ekow Essuman's team pulled their boxer after six rounds.