Fabio Wardley faces Daniel Dubois on May 9 at Co-op Live in Manchester, United Kingdom, airing live on DAZN Pay-Per-View and DAZN Ultimate Tier, in a heavyweight title fight with start time to be confirmed.
This is Wardley’s first defense of the WBO heavyweight title and a direct examination against a former champion with established power at world level. Fabio Wardley defends his unbeaten record against Daniel Dubois, whose résumé includes championship rounds and previous title reigns. The event is fully scheduled, with final timing details pending.
Event Details
Event: Wardley vs. Dubois
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Venue: Co-op Live, Manchester, United Kingdom
Main event: Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois
Start time: TBC local / TBC ET / TBC UK
Broadcast: DAZN Pay-Per-View and DAZN Ultimate Tier
PPV price: Market dependent
How to watch: Available via DAZN PPV purchase or Ultimate Tier subscription
For Fabio Wardley, making a first defense is a different assignment than winning the belt. Lifting a title in one night is one thing. Walking back out with it on the line, knowing every contender has studied your habits, is another kind of test.
Daniel Dubois has already gone through title camps, title rounds, and the grind that comes with carrying a belt. He understands how to manage the pace early, when to start with the jab, and when to sit down on the straight right. He will not wait around looking for a perfect opening. Expect him to press behind the jab, work the body, and force Wardley to answer under real championship heat rather than give him space to settle.
Fight Date and Start Time
Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois takes place Saturday, May 9, at Co-op Live in Manchester. Main-card and ring-walk timings will be confirmed closer to fight week.
Co-op Live, opened in 2024 with a reported capacity of 23,500, is the largest indoor arena in the United Kingdom and has quickly become a regular site for major British fight nights.
Expect a standard UK evening schedule once finalized, with U.S. Eastern and international timing updated accordingly.
Broadcast Information & How to Watch
The fight streams live on DAZN Pay-Per-View and is also accessible through the DAZN Ultimate Tier, depending on territory and subscription level.
A visible title defense on a major streaming platform strengthens Fabio Wardley’s market position. A Daniel Dubois victory would return him immediately to the center of the heavyweight picture.
Full Fight Card
Main Event
Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois 12 rounds, WBO Heavyweight Title
The remainder of the card has not yet been confirmed. Additional bouts will be announced when the promoter releases the finalized lineup.
Tale of the Tape
Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are physically well matched on paper. Wardley is 31 years old, stands 6-foot-5 with a 78-inch reach, and has completed 21 professional bouts, compiling a 20-0-1 record with 19 knockouts. His knockout ratio reflects a puncher comfortable finishing exchanges once he has an opponent hurt.
Daniel Dubois, 28, is also 6-foot-5 with a 78-inch reach. Across 25 professional fights, he has built a 22-3 record with 21 knockouts. Dubois has operated at championship level before and carries comparable stopping power, with most of his wins ending inside the distance.
Both heavyweights share similar dimensions and high knockout percentages. The separation will likely come from timing, shot selection, and how each man handles momentum shifts across twelve rounds.
At this stage in the division, Wardley vs. Dubois determines whether a new British titleholder consolidates his standing or whether a former champion reclaims position among the heavyweight contenders.
Many underestimate the significance of a title defense, but it’s not just about winning once. Wardley may have the power, but Dubois’s experience in championship rounds will be pivotal. I believe Dubois will reclaim his status as a top contender.
While I appreciate Wardley’s unbeaten record, I argue that experience is crucial in heavyweight boxing. Dubois has faced tougher competition and knows how to handle pressure. This fight will likely expose Wardley’s vulnerabilities.