On Friday, Queensberry Promotions announced that WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) will defend his title against former IBF champion Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) on May 9, live on DAZN PPV.
This heavyweight fight was put together in recent weeks amid long-standing rumors that Dubois would face Zhilei Zhang in April. Dubois changed plans and instead opted to face Wardley for the WBO title. This heavyweight title fight will be a pay-per-view event, costing $44.99 in the U.S. and €22.99 in the U.K.
This will be Wardley’s first title defense as the full champion. He was upgraded after stopping Joseph Parker in October, and unified champion Oleksandr Usyk chose not to fulfill his WBO mandatory, which was Wardley. This will be a huge domestic showdown in the U.K., hence why it was appropriately titled “Don’t Blink.”
Below are quotes from the fighters and the event organizers.
Frank Warren, Founder and Chairman of Queensberry: “This is 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.”
“Fabio’s journey has been extraordinary and inspiring. Time and again he is written off, and time and again he proves people wrong. He keeps stepping up, keeps taking on bigger challenges, and keeps delivering, often against the odds.”
“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.”
“Manchester is in for an incredible night, and British boxing will be on full display.”
Alfie Sharman, VP Marketing for DAZN: “This is one of the biggest fights that can be made globally in boxing, between two of the best fighters that Britain has to offer. And it is all live and exclusive worldwide, only on DAZN.”
Fabio Wardley: “I’ve never been in this game to play around — I’m committed to big fights only. I’m the champion, this is a voluntary defense, and I chose this. I’m not about to win a world title and then take easy fights or hide away with it — I’m not running off with my belt. One thing you can’t ever say about me is I’ve shied away from a challenge. I’ve always gone looking for the biggest tests, and I’d back myself against anyone in this division.
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. With me, you know what you’re getting — drama and entertainment — and when that first bell goes, it’s going to be fireworks.”
Daniel Dubois: “On the 9th May the world title reign is over for Fabio, and I will become champion again. Let’s go.”
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