Daniel Dubois may already know who he will face next following his brutal win over Fabio Wardley on May 9 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
Dubois recently captured the WBO heavyweight title after stopping Wardley in the 11th round. The contest quickly became one of the most talked-about heavyweight fights of the year and immediately sparked debate over what comes next for both men.
Despite the heavy punishment Wardley absorbed, promoter Eddie Hearn convinced a rematch is now the most likely outcome.
Frank Warren, following the fight, revealed that there is a rematch clause in the contract, and it’s most likely they will run it back.
Eddie Hearn expects Fabio Wardley to activate rematch clause against Daniel Dubois
Speaking about Wardley’s future on IFL TV, Hearn suggested the 31-year-old has little choice but to use the contractual option available to him.
“I think he will have to activate his rematch clause,” Hearn said.
The Matchroom promoter compared the situation to Anthony Joshua immediately pursuing a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. after suffering a shock defeat.
“Unfortunately, in this situation, I have been there before, when AJ got stopped by Ruiz,” Hearn explained.
“Everyone was like, ‘you can’t do that, his confidence will be shot, he needs another fight in between.’”
According to Hearn, fighters only receive one opportunity to use such clauses, and waiting could prove costly.
“You get one opportunity with that rematch clause or it is gone,” he added.
Hearn believes Wardley should take the risk
Hearn acknowledged the physical damage Wardley suffered and admitted a second fight with Dubois would carry major danger.
“With Fabio Wardley right now, he has got a straight shot at the world heavyweight title,” Hearn said.
“Physically, that was a really tough fight and I think that it is going to be a very dangerous rematch.”
Still, the promoter believes Wardley is capable of pulling off an upset.
“But he can win the rematch. He can,” Hearn added. “I think he is an underdog.”
Hearn ultimately made his prediction clear.
“I have no doubt that they will do the rematch clause.”
Following Dubois’ title-winning performance, several names, including Moses Itauma, had already been mentioned as possible future opponents.
However, if Wardley activates his rematch option, Dubois’ next move may already be locked in.
Wardley suffered significant damage against Dubois, and many pundits criticized his corner for not stopping the fight and saving him from unnecessary punishment. This damage is likely to put him away from the ring for the foreseeable future.
For now, attention turns toward whether Wardley and his team officially decide to roll the dice and immediately pursue another world title opportunity.
