Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois | DAZN PPV - 9 May 2026

[Taansend]

Hrgovic is an arm puncher - had he eat those punches from Fabio, he would have been in lalaland.

Hrgovic is more skilfull sure, but Fabio seems to have a good work ethic and far better stamina.

Mate,

Dismissing those early rounds from Hrgovic as just 'arm punches' isn't doing anyone any justice. They were some meaty whacks.

Hrgovic may have changed his style since having his psyche shattered by Dubois but up until that fight he was going for it.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Hrgovic is an arm puncher - had he eat those punches from Fabio, he would have been in lalaland.

Hrgovic is more skilfull sure, but Fabio seems to have a good work ethic and far better stamina.

Mate,

Dismissing those early rounds from Hrgovic as just 'arm punches' isn't doing anyone any justice. They were some meaty whacks.

Hrgovic may have changed his style since having his psyche shattered by Dubois but up until that fight he was going for it.

Hrgovic doesn't get proper extension on his punches, there's very little rotation into them, so really, they are arm punches.

He also completely ran out of gas after about 4 rounds, he must have either naturally terrible stamina, or really poor training habits.

[Taansend]

Hrgovic is an arm puncher - had he eat those punches from Fabio, he would have been in lalaland.

Hrgovic is more skilfull sure, but Fabio seems to have a good work ethic and far better stamina.

Mate,

Dismissing those early rounds from Hrgovic as just 'arm punches' isn't doing anyone any justice. They were some meaty whacks.

Hrgovic may have changed his style since having his psyche shattered by Dubois but up until that fight he was going for it.

Hrgovic doesn't get proper extension on his punches, there's very little rotation into them, so really, they are arm punches.

He also completely ran out of gas after about 4 rounds, he must have either naturally terrible stamina, or really poor training habits.

I think he, like most of us, thought he was going to destroy Danny the Quitter. And he trained like it.

But we saw the new Dubois that night & after four rounds, Hrgovic was shattered, physically & mentally.

Have another look at the early rounds & remember how much of a favourite Hrgovic was pre fight. He's relaxed, left hand low, right hand cocked, thinking it was only a matter of time before he caught Dubois & made him quit. Remember, he was undefeated at that time & even in the Amateurs his losses were mainly SD's to top fighters.

Do you remember the pre fight interviews & all the talk of Hrgovic Dubois sparring sessions? The Croat just laughed when asked about it. He was VERY dismissive.

He trained & acted like a man who thought he was already King. After four rounds his ego was shattered.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Mate,

Dismissing those early rounds from Hrgovic as just 'arm punches' isn't doing anyone any justice. They were some meaty whacks.

Hrgovic may have changed his style since having his psyche shattered by Dubois but up until that fight he was going for it.

Hrgovic doesn't get proper extension on his punches, there's very little rotation into them, so really, they are arm punches.

He also completely ran out of gas after about 4 rounds, he must have either naturally terrible stamina, or really poor training habits.

I think he, like most of us, thought he was going to destroy Danny the Quitter. And he trained like it.

But we saw the new Dubois that night & after four rounds, Hrgovic was shattered, physically & mentally.

Have another look at the early rounds & remember how much of a favourite Hrgovic was pre fight. He's relaxed, left hand low, right hand cocked, thinking it was only a matter of time before he caught Dubois & made him quit. Remember, he was undefeated at that time & even in the Amateurs his losses were mainly SD's to top fighters.

Do you remember the pre fight interviews & all the talk of Hrgovic Dubois sparring sessions? The Croat just laughed when asked about it. He was VERY dismissive.

He trained & acted like a man who thought he was already King. After four rounds his ego was shattered.

Hadn't he shown suspect stamina in other fights anyway?

[jamesmcdonnell]

Might be getting confused, thinking of Zhang getting knackered in his fight with Hrgovic.

[Taansend]

Might be getting confused, thinking of Zhang getting knackered in his fight with Hrgovic.

They were probably both knackered.

Just having to be alert for 10 or 12 rounds against Zhang (who was undefeated at that point) must be exhausting.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Might be getting confused, thinking of Zhang getting knackered in his fight with Hrgovic.

They were probably both knackered.

Just having to be alert for 10 or 12 rounds against Zhang (who was undefeated at that point) must be exhausting.

I think it was Zhang who puffed out, he started well, but then gradually turned into a statue.

What's happening with Zhang, does he have a fight lined up?

[jamesmcdonnell]

I didn't see the Kabayel fight, was he just out of condition?

Just checked, body shots.

[Taansend]

Might be getting confused, thinking of Zhang getting knackered in his fight with Hrgovic.

They were probably both knackered.

Just having to be alert for 10 or 12 rounds against Zhang (who was undefeated at that point) must be exhausting.

I think it was Zhang who puffed out, he started well, but then gradually turned into a statue.

What's happening with Zhang, does he have a fight lined up?

He's 43 soon. Talk of him v Dave Allen but I don't know if it's serious.

[jamesmcdonnell]

They were probably both knackered.

Just having to be alert for 10 or 12 rounds against Zhang (who was undefeated at that point) must be exhausting.

I think it was Zhang who puffed out, he started well, but then gradually turned into a statue.

What's happening with Zhang, does he have a fight lined up?

He's 43 soon. Talk of him v Dave Allen but I don't know if it's serious.

Oh yeah, of course!

Don't see what's in it for Zhang.

He might as well call it a day, 43 is no age to be taking big shots.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fabio Wardley-Daniel Dubois ticket sales heading for a sell-out

The May 9 heavyweight collision between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, for the former's WBO title and promoted by Queensberry, is heading for a sell-out, Boxing Scene has learned.

Such matters wouldn't ordinarily merit a story. But these ticket sales are different. These are the same ticket sales, according to a by-now infamous Ring Magazine social media post, that were supposedly struggling. Yet when that February 25 post was published, the tickets were still days away from even going on sale.

February 25 was also the day when news of Queensberry’s legal action against Sela and TKO was reported. Sela and TKO have close links to Turki Alalshikh, who also owns Ring Magazine.

“Rumors indicate that [Queensberry’s] announcement to the media of legal action was timed before their Wardley v Dubois press conference, which took place today, for an event which is struggling to sell tickets,” read part of the post.

It was confirmed Wednesday to Boxing Scene that ticket sales for the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England are “going extremely well” and a sell-out for the all-British showdown is fully expected.

The fight is one of the best to made in the heavyweight division. Wardley, 20-0-1 (19 KOs), was elevated to full WBO beltholder after he defeated Joseph Parker in October last year. Dubois’ excellent run of form, which saw him beat Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, saw him claim the IBF title in similar circumstances in 2024.

Oleksandr Usyk, who has so far declined the opportunity fight Wardley, put an end to that run last July. But Dubois, 22-3 (21 KOs), remains one of the hardest punchers in the division and is arguably Wardley’s toughest test to date.

[rhino222]

This is a great match up and a real 'pick em' for various reasons.

Dubois will be the hardest single puncher Wardley has faced. Yes there are question marks against Dubois heart when the going gets tough but lets not forget both of those episodes were against Usyk, an absolute master. The Joyce fight was an injurt and by taking the knee Dubois allowed himself a further career. I can excuse anyone who has their orbit broken, it can lead to blindness.

Dubois showed his guts v Millet and Hrgovic. And also Morena when his leg was knackered. Dubois has decent skills too albeit a bit upright and of an eastern european amateur wooden style.

Wardley is unpredictable and always ready for a tear up. He struggled v Clarke in the first fight. struggled v Gorman and Adeleye and of course Huni. Yes Wardley came through all of these tests due to the equaliser but none of those opponents hit like Dubois. Wardley beat Parker more convincingly i thought.

Wardly will have some success when they engage, but if Dubois comes through this i expect a marked up Wardley to be saved by the ref and his corner in about 7 rounds. Dubois, if wise, should not engage up close but jab Wardleys head off and mark him up badly.

Dubois wins by TKO for me, In about 6-8 rounds.

[joshj909]

Dubois will be the hardest single puncher Wardley has faced. Yes there are question marks against Dubois heart when the going gets tough but lets not forget both of those episodes were against Usyk, an absolute master. The Joyce fight was an injurt and by taking the knee Dubois allowed himself a further career. I can excuse anyone who has their orbit broken, it can lead to blindness.

Wardley will be Dubois' hardest or second hardest punched than he's faced. He wasn't caught clean many times against Joshua but in the dying seconds when he landed the KO punch, Dubois was wobbled by a wobbly Joshua. Dubois has been down 7 times against softer punchers than Wardley.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[bmw hector]

Dubois will be the hardest single puncher Wardley has faced. Yes there are question marks against Dubois heart when the going gets tough but lets not forget both of those episodes were against Usyk, an absolute master. The Joyce fight was an injurt and by taking the knee Dubois allowed himself a further career. I can excuse anyone who has their orbit broken, it can lead to blindness.

Wardley will be Dubois' hardest or second hardest punched than he's faced. He wasn't caught clean many times against Joshua but in the dying seconds when he landed the KO punch, Dubois was wobbled by a wobbly Joshua. Dubois has been down 7 times against softer punchers than Wardley.

Is this the highest ever KO % title fight at HW?
22-3 (21 KOs)
20-0-1 (19 KOs)

Probably go the distance now.

[joshj909]

Dubois will be the hardest single puncher Wardley has faced. Yes there are question marks against Dubois heart when the going gets tough but lets not forget both of those episodes were against Usyk, an absolute master. The Joyce fight was an injurt and by taking the knee Dubois allowed himself a further career. I can excuse anyone who has their orbit broken, it can lead to blindness.

Wardley will be Dubois' hardest or second hardest punched than he's faced. He wasn't caught clean many times against Joshua but in the dying seconds when he landed the KO punch, Dubois was wobbled by a wobbly Joshua. Dubois has been down 7 times against softer punchers than Wardley.

Is this the highest ever KO % title fight at HW?
22-3 (21 KOs)
20-0-1 (19 KOs)

Probably go the distance now.

95% and 95% according to Boxrec. Can't get much higher than that. I don't think the likes of Wilder or Joshua who defended their belts with a 100% KO record a few times ever faced anyone with over a 90% KO record to take the average over 95%.

AI says it's these but given the order is all over the place and I know a couple of those are incorrect, I would take it with a pinch of salt.

1. Deontay Wilder vs Dominic Breazeale: 97.5% vs 85.7 = 183.2%
2. Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko: 90.9% Vs 83.5% = 174.4%
3. Deontay Wilder vs Bermane Stiverne II: 97.3% Vs 69.6% = 166.9%
4. Mike Tyson vs Trevor Berbick: 100% Vs 61% = 161%
5. Vitali Klitschko vs Corrie Sanders: 90.5% Vs 80% = 170%
6. Deontay Wilder vs Luis Ortiz: 97.4% Vs 79.3% = 176.7%
7. George Foreman vs Joe Frazier: 93% Vs 84% = 177%
8. Sonny Liston vs Floyd Patterson: 78% Vs 77% = 155%
9. Mike Tyson vs Michael Spinks: 92% VS 72% = 164%
10. Lennox Lewis vs Shannon Briggs: 79% Vs 75% = 154%

If this is the heavyweight fight with the highest combined KO percentage, I'm surprised they're not marketing it as that.

[Ruthless-RKO]

AJ was 100% when he fought Wlad.

[joshj909]

AJ was 100% when he fought Wlad.

Yeah, the Mike Tyson one is wrong too. I don't think either put them above 95% on average combined though. I think the AI pulled some as when they fought, some as when they retired and others when mentioned in articles. Basically nonsense.

[Ruthless-RKO]

ANNOUNCED: Jared Anderson will return vs Sol Dacres on the Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois undercard on May 9th in Manchester, live on DAZN.

This is the first fight of his co-promotional deal with Queensberry and Top Rank.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anderson-Dacres, Rafferty-Essuman added to Wardley-Dubois card May 9

The undercard has rounded out for the May 9 show headlined by Fabio Wardley's WBO heavyweight title defense against Daniel Dubois at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England, on DAZN.

Jared Anderson, who officially signed a co-promotional deal with Queensberry Promotions on Wednesday, will take on Solomon Dacres in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Anderson (18-1, 15 KOs) will be fighting for the first time since February 2025, when he defeated Marios Kollias by a 10-round unanimous decision. The bout was the first for Anderson after he was knocked out by Martin Bakole in five rounds in August 2024.

Dacres (10-1, 3 KOs) also bounced back from his lone loss last time out with a 10-round unanimous decision over Vladyslav Sirenko in July. Dacres was stopped by David Adeleye in one round in December 2024.

In a separate supporting bout, Jack Rafferty will take on another tough test in a junior lightweight clash against Ekow Essuman as both boxers look to get back into the win column.

Rafferty (26-0-1, 17 KOs) fought to a 12-round majority draw in his last fight against Mark Chamberlain in August.

Essuman (22-2, 8 KOs) got stopped by Jack Caterrall in 11 rounds in November following a career-best unanimous decision win against Josh Taylor in May. Essuman will be fighting for the first time as a 140-pounder in his 10-year career.

Also on the card is a 10-round light heavyweight bout between Liam Cameron (24-7-1, 10 KOs) and Bradley Rea (21-2, 10 KOs), and a 10-round junior welterweight clash between Khaleel Majid (16-0, 4 KOs) and Gavin Gwynne (18-4-2, 5 KOs).

[bmw hector]

Wardley will be Dubois' hardest or second hardest punched than he's faced. He wasn't caught clean many times against Joshua but in the dying seconds when he landed the KO punch, Dubois was wobbled by a wobbly Joshua. Dubois has been down 7 times against softer punchers than Wardley.

Is this the highest ever KO % title fight at HW?
22-3 (21 KOs)
20-0-1 (19 KOs)

Probably go the distance now.

95% and 95% according to Boxrec. Can't get much higher than that. I don't think the likes of Wilder or Joshua who defended their belts with a 100% KO record a few times ever faced anyone with over a 90% KO record to take the average over 95%.

AI says it's these but given the order is all over the place and I know a couple of those are incorrect, I would take it with a pinch of salt.

1. Deontay Wilder vs Dominic Breazeale: 97.5% vs 85.7 = 183.2%
2. Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko: 90.9% Vs 83.5% = 174.4%
3. Deontay Wilder vs Bermane Stiverne II: 97.3% Vs 69.6% = 166.9%
4. Mike Tyson vs Trevor Berbick: 100% Vs 61% = 161%
5. Vitali Klitschko vs Corrie Sanders: 90.5% Vs 80% = 170%
6. Deontay Wilder vs Luis Ortiz: 97.4% Vs 79.3% = 176.7%
7. George Foreman vs Joe Frazier: 93% Vs 84% = 177%
8. Sonny Liston vs Floyd Patterson: 78% Vs 77% = 155%
9. Mike Tyson vs Michael Spinks: 92% VS 72% = 164%
10. Lennox Lewis vs Shannon Briggs: 79% Vs 75% = 154%

If this is the heavyweight fight with the highest combined KO percentage, I'm surprised they're not marketing it as that.

The Dancing Destroyer vs Dr Ironfist
Hide 31–1 (30 KO)
Vit 25–0 (25 KO)

[joshj909]

Is this the highest ever KO % title fight at HW?
22-3 (21 KOs)
20-0-1 (19 KOs)

Probably go the distance now.

95% and 95% according to Boxrec. Can't get much higher than that. I don't think the likes of Wilder or Joshua who defended their belts with a 100% KO record a few times ever faced anyone with over a 90% KO record to take the average over 95%.

AI says it's these but given the order is all over the place and I know a couple of those are incorrect, I would take it with a pinch of salt.

1. Deontay Wilder vs Dominic Breazeale: 97.5% vs 85.7 = 183.2%
2. Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko: 90.9% Vs 83.5% = 174.4%
3. Deontay Wilder vs Bermane Stiverne II: 97.3% Vs 69.6% = 166.9%
4. Mike Tyson vs Trevor Berbick: 100% Vs 61% = 161%
5. Vitali Klitschko vs Corrie Sanders: 90.5% Vs 80% = 170%
6. Deontay Wilder vs Luis Ortiz: 97.4% Vs 79.3% = 176.7%
7. George Foreman vs Joe Frazier: 93% Vs 84% = 177%
8. Sonny Liston vs Floyd Patterson: 78% Vs 77% = 155%
9. Mike Tyson vs Michael Spinks: 92% VS 72% = 164%
10. Lennox Lewis vs Shannon Briggs: 79% Vs 75% = 154%

If this is the heavyweight fight with the highest combined KO percentage, I'm surprised they're not marketing it as that.

The Dancing Destroyer vs Dr Ironfist
Hide 31–1 (30 KO)
Vit 25–0 (25 KO)

That's gotta be the highest for a world belt

[jamesmcdonnell]

95% and 95% according to Boxrec. Can't get much higher than that. I don't think the likes of Wilder or Joshua who defended their belts with a 100% KO record a few times ever faced anyone with over a 90% KO record to take the average over 95%.

AI says it's these but given the order is all over the place and I know a couple of those are incorrect, I would take it with a pinch of salt.

1. Deontay Wilder vs Dominic Breazeale: 97.5% vs 85.7 = 183.2%
2. Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko: 90.9% Vs 83.5% = 174.4%
3. Deontay Wilder vs Bermane Stiverne II: 97.3% Vs 69.6% = 166.9%
4. Mike Tyson vs Trevor Berbick: 100% Vs 61% = 161%
5. Vitali Klitschko vs Corrie Sanders: 90.5% Vs 80% = 170%
6. Deontay Wilder vs Luis Ortiz: 97.4% Vs 79.3% = 176.7%
7. George Foreman vs Joe Frazier: 93% Vs 84% = 177%
8. Sonny Liston vs Floyd Patterson: 78% Vs 77% = 155%
9. Mike Tyson vs Michael Spinks: 92% VS 72% = 164%
10. Lennox Lewis vs Shannon Briggs: 79% Vs 75% = 154%

If this is the heavyweight fight with the highest combined KO percentage, I'm surprised they're not marketing it as that.

The Dancing Destroyer vs Dr Ironfist
Hide 31–1 (30 KO)
Vit 25–0 (25 KO)

That's gotta be the highest for a world belt

It was so weird that fight, Hyde seemed to start going over just from touching gloves, and once he went down, he was just put over from even the most glancing of shots.

[bmw hector]

The Dancing Destroyer vs Dr Ironfist
Hide 31–1 (30 KO)
Vit 25–0 (25 KO)

That's gotta be the highest for a world belt

It was so weird that fight, Hyde seemed to start going over just from touching gloves, and once he went down, he was just put over from even the most glancing of shots.

It was one of the strangest KO's i've seen. Hide seemed to be completey poleaxed from what appeared to have been a glancing jab.