(February 14th) Fabio Wardley will make the first defense of his WBO world heavyweight title against former IBF champion Daniel Dubois in a highly anticipated all-British clash on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

The 31-year-old, Wardley was elevated to full WBO champion in November 2025 after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt rather than make a mandatory defense. Wardley had previously won the WBO interim title with an impressive 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker in October 2025.

Dubois, 28, brings his own world championship pedigree to the ring. The Londoner held the IBF heavyweight title before losing it to Usyk at Wembley Stadium in July 2025—his second defeat to the Ukrainian. Prior to that loss, Dubois had delivered a career-defining performance by knocking out Anthony Joshua in September 2024.

The Co-op Live Arena showdown pits two of Britain's most devastating punchers against each other. Wardley enters with an unblemished record of 20-0-1, with 19 of those wins coming by knockout. The Ipswich fighter has built a reputation for dramatic late-round stoppages, including his victories over Parker and Justis Huni.

Dubois counters with a record of 22-3, featuring 21 knockouts—a testament to his own formidable punching power. Between them, the two fighters boast 40 combined knockout victories.

"I've never been in this game to play around. I'm committed to big fights only," Wardley said. "I'm the champion, this is a voluntary defense, and I chose this. One thing you can't ever say about me is I've shied away from a challenge.

"This is one of the biggest fights that can be made in the heavyweight division right now and the best part is, it doesn't need the extra stuff, this fight sells itself."

Promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions described the bout as "another piece of British heavyweight history being made."

"This is quite simply the most exciting and explosive fight available for Fabio's first defense of his WBO world title, and it tells you everything about him that this is the fight he demanded," Warren said.

"For Daniel to be attempting to become a two-time world champion at just 28 is equally remarkable. This will be his sixth world title fight, and across that run only Oleksandr Usyk has been able to defeat him."

The winner of this explosive encounter could potentially face Tyson Fury later in 2026, further elevating the stakes in what continues to be a golden era for British heavyweight boxing.

Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Event Name: “Don't Blink”

Promoter: Frank Warren - Queensberry Promotions

Matchmaker: Lee Eaton

Media: DAZN Pay-Per-View

Ticket and undercard information expected to be announced soon. Fans are advised to register interest through official channels for priority access.

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Queensberry, time and time again, delivers a debut to a champion journey for richly talented young fighters and provides an unrivalled platform for them to showcase their ability to the widest possible audience via a major broadcast collaboration and an exceptional digital portfolio.

Fight promotions are regularly staged, servicing the requirements of novice prospects, contenders, title challengers and champions. Boxers are given every opportunity to build a following and maximize their potential.

The wall facing the entrance to the Queensberry headquarters bears the words ‘This is where the magic happens’ because, for decades, it has been the location where the biggest fights have been hatched and matched, where the biggest shows have been plotted and where the best fighters arrive to sign promotional terms for Frank Warren to guide their careers.

It is always about the fighters - with the key being development - but also about the sport, the business of boxing and conjuring up magical nights for the fans and making the fights they want to see.

The experience of Queensberry and the tried and trusted model for creating champions is unparalleled in the sport of boxing. The expertise of International Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren has been employed for some 45 years in the professional ranks building some of the biggest stars and navigating them to world champion status.

Frank specializes in taking young fighters right from debut and implementing his knowhow to pick the right fights at the right time and therefore ensuring the boxer is given every opportunity to maximize his or her potential.

Queensberry is currently in the position of being the world’s premier promotional organization, having spent many years building talent and putting in the foundations to ensure prolonged success. The company currently boasts a number of world champions, multiple world title contenders, numerous title-holders and the finest crop of young future stars anywhere in the world.

Queensberry fighters have been given the opportunity to shine on the major global stage both at home and abroad, under the Queensberry banner.