Fabio Wardley says his “body failed me” during his devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois on Saturday.
Wardley lost his WBO heavyweight world title and unbeaten record in a dramatic 11th round loss to Dubois at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
The Ipswich man released a statement on Sunday on his social media congratulating his rival, who was crowned a two-time heavyweight world champion.
“My body failed me, but not my heart,” the 31-year-old posted on X.
“And that I can live with.
“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, who was the betting favourite heading into the clash, appeared on the verge of an early stoppage win after dropping his rival within the opening 10 seconds.
Dubois recovered but was staring defeat in the face again in the third round after crashing to the canvas from another right hand.
However, the 28-year-old rallied superbly and overwhelmed the champion with his volume and accuracy, before referee Howard Foster eventually called the fight off in the 11th round.
“It was a war,” Dubois said post-fight.
“Thank you Fabio for that.
“I know I’ve got heart, bundles of heart.
“I’m a warrior in there.”
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The Brit bounced back from losing his IBF title last August in a fifth round loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk holds the remaining IBF, WBC and WBA titles and defends his WBC crown against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt.
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Dubois has been linked with a showdown against Queensberry stablemate and WBO number one contender, Moses Itauma who was watching on from ringside.
Itauma, who is undefeated in 14 professional bouts, will return on August 8 at the O2 Arena, although it’s unlikely to be against the newly-crowned WBO titlist.
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