Dubois shakes off knockdowns and stops Wardley to win WBO heavyweight title

TL;DR

Daniel Dubois overcame two knockdowns to defeat Fabio Wardley in the 11th round, winning the WBO heavyweight title. This victory marks Dubois' return as a two-time heavyweight champion.

Key points

Daniel Dubois won the WBO heavyweight title
Dubois was knocked down twice in the fight
The fight ended in the 11th round by referee stoppage
This was Fabio Wardley's first professional loss
Dubois may face Moses Itauma next

WBO heavyweight titleDaniel DuboisFabio WardleyMoses Itauma

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Daniel Dubois showed up late, got knocked down early and still beat Fabio Wardley to become a two-time heavyweight champion on Saturday. Dubois stopped Wardley in the 11th round to win the WBO heavyweight title at the Co-op Live arena after reportedly being delayed by traffic on his arrival. Wardley dropped Dubois (23-3, 22 KOs) just 10 seconds into the bout with an overhand right, and again in the third round, but the former IBF champion rebounded both times and dominated from there by landing heavy rights that produced swelling and bleeding on Wardley's face. Wardley absorbed blow after blow without going down before referee Howard Foster halted the bout early in the 11th. It's the first professional loss for Wardley (20-1-1, 19 KOs). Dubois lost his IBF belt to Oleksandr Usyk via a fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium last July. Dubois could be on a collision course with rising star Moses Itauma, who was ringside. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has said after Itauma’s demolition of Jermaine Franklin he’ll recommend the British southpaw become the WBO mandatory challenger.

Chelli stuns Morrell on undercard

London light heavyweight Zak Chelli scored a big upset by stopping Cuban southpaw David Morrell in the 10th round. Chelli (17-3-1, 9 KOs) called out WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez, who also holds titles at cruiserweight. Morrell (12-2, 9 KOs) had gone the distance with Benavidez last year, losing on points after 12 rounds. Jack Rafferty (27-0-1, 18 KOs) made a successful welterweight debut against 37-year-old Ekow Essuman (22-3, 8 KOs), whose corner retired their fighter after six rounds. \\_ AP boxing:

Q&A

What were the key moments in the Dubois vs. Wardley fight?

Key moments included Dubois being knocked down twice early in the fight but recovering to dominate and ultimately stop Wardley in the 11th round.

What is the significance of Dubois winning the WBO heavyweight title?

Dubois' victory makes him a two-time heavyweight champion and positions him for potential future bouts, including a possible matchup with Moses Itauma.

How did Fabio Wardley's loss affect his boxing record?

Fabio Wardley's loss to Dubois is his first professional defeat, bringing his record to 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.