Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois in DAZN Co-Op Arena Preview
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Prediction Record: 2025-2026 – (89-22-3) (3-3) in Feature Bouts
Manchester, UK (May 9th, 2026)– World Boxing Organisation World Heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley will risk his title in a dangerous defense against former champion Daniel Dubois in the main event of an eleven bout DAZN Pay-Per-View card at Co-Op Arena, Manchester, United Kingdom, on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Wardley, 20-0-1 with 19 knockouts, Ipswich, United Kingdom, uses repeated combinations with serious firepower to break his opponents down. Dubois, 22-3 with 21 knockouts, Greenwich, London, United Kingdom, has a solid jab and must catch Wardley as the counterpuncher. However, Dubois has been plagued by a weak chin. While both combatants have a 95 percent knockout ratio, Wardley has punch volume, as opposed to Dubois possessing Earnie Shavers-like heavy power in both hands. The later rounds favor Wardley, who stopped Joseph Parker late. The earlier rounds favor Dubois, who systematically dissected Anthony Joshua early on.
The bout has parallels to Marvelous Marvin Hagler versus Thomas Hearns. Don’t blink is an adage meaning the bout is fireworks for as long as it lasts, which might not be long. The more likely scenario is a long, dragged-out, technical bout won by Wardley.
Robert Brizel Undercard Predictions at Co-op Arena, Manchester:
Jack Rafferty is predicted to win in 10 rounds by decision over Ekow Essuman, Welterweights.
David Morrell is predicted to win in 10 rounds over Zak Chelli, Light Heavyweights.
Bradley Rea is predicted to win in 10 rounds over Liam Cameron, Light Heavyweights.
Khaleel Majid is predicted to win in 10 rounds over Davin Swynne, Super Lightweights.
Mike Perez is predicted to win in eight rounds over Franklin Arinze, Cruiserweights.
Javokhir Ummataliev is predicted to win by knockout over Damian Drabik, Super Middleweights.
Fawas Aborode (Pro Debut) is predicted to win by knockout over Gareth Noot, Super Lightweights.
Bobbi Flood is predicted to win by a four round decision over Nathan Darby, Super Lightweights.
Issiah Hamilton-Allen is predicted to win by a 4 round decision over Conor Goulding, Super Welterweights.
Bakhodir Jalolov is predicted to win by stoppage over Agron Smakici, Heavyweights (opening bout).
Fabio Wardley is scheduled to defend his WBO Heavyweight Title against Daniel Dubois this Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
The unbeaten champion enters following a career-best TKO victory over Joseph Parker in October 2025, where he displayed his signature late-fight power to overcome a points deficit. Wardley was elevated to full WBO champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
Dubois is seeking to become a two-time world champion after losing his IBF title to Oleksandr Usyk in a July 2025 rematch at Wembley. While he has faced a higher caliber of opposition—including Anthony Joshua and Filip Hrgovic and his three career losses have all come via stoppage.
Analysts describe this as a battle between Wardley’s grit and pressure versus Dubois’ pedigree and technical power. Wardley, who had no amateur career, relies on raw athleticism and timing, while Dubois is considered the more technically sound “pure” puncher with a superior jab.
Neither fighter has a history of leaving judges to decide their fate; both have a 95% knockout rate in their victories. Experts anticipate an early finish, with Wardley often showing vulnerability early before catching opponents late, while Dubois is at his most dangerous in the opening rounds.
Dubois vs. Wardley Average Betting Odds:
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Robert Brizel – Head Boxing Correspondent