Fabio Wardley will face Daniel Dubois in an immediate rematch.
Wardley lost his WBO heavyweight world title in a dramatic 11th round stoppage loss to Dubois in Manchester last Saturday.
The 31-year-old dropped the Londoner in the first and third rounds, but was outgunned by Dubois in a fight of the year contender.
The Ipswich man has opted to active his rematch clause and his promoter Queensberry confirmed the second bout will take place later this year in a statement on X on Friday.
“Queensberry can confirm that Fabio Wardley has activated the rematch clause following his defeat in last week’s WBO world title fight against Daniel Dubois at the Co-op Live in Manchester.
“All parties will now work towards a rematch of their fight of the year contender for later in 2026.”
Dubois became a two-time heavyweight world champion, having previously held the IBF crown.
The 28-year-old lost his IBF belt in a fifth round stoppage loss to Oleksandr Usyk last August.
“I thank Fabio for a great fight,” Dubois said post-fight.
“It was an honour to be in the ring with him.
Wardley congratulated his rival in a statement on Sunday.
“My body failed me, but not my heart,” he posted on X.
“And that I can live with.
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“Congratulations @DynamiteDubois, thank you for a great fight worthy of the history books.
“Thank you to the city of Manchester and everyone that has been along on this journey with me. #TeamWardley.”
Wardley’s decision to rematch his compatriot will likely come as a blow to unified heavyweight world champion, Usyk who had hoped to face the winner.
The Ukrainian great is set to defend his WBC belt against ex-kickboxing champion, Rico Verhoeven in Egypt next Saturday and previously claimed he only has three fights remaining in his storied career.
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