Fabio Wardley is set to face Daniel Dubois on May 9 in Manchester, England. The all-British heavyweight clash is expected to headline a Queensberry card, with the WBO title on the line.
Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) was expected to challenge Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) in the first half of this year, but the fight did not materialize. The champion from Ukraine had relinquished the WBO belt last November, and Wardley – who originally won the interim strap by TKO over Joseph Parker in October – was elevated to full champion.
Former champion Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) is set to step through the ropes for the first time since his rematch with Usyk last July. The bout for the undisputed title ended in a big KO in favor of the Ukrainian.
The Wardley vs Dubois showdown was reported by Ring Magazine on Tuesday, with sources saying the fighters are “finalizing a deal.” The official announcement from the promotion – including the venue and ticket information – is expected to follow shortly.