Who doesn’t love a heavyweight title fight? Titled “Don’t Blink”, this WBO championship bout promises to be one of the most exciting boxing events of the year. It’s Fabio Wardley (WBO champ, 20-0-1) and Daniel Dubois (former IBF champ, 22-3) who will collide May 9 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Both athletes bring a 95% KO ratio, so you really can’t blink after this one starts.
Both men boast enormous power. Dubois famously levelled Anthony Joshua with a 5th round KO, while Wardley has stopped every opponent to date. Both men will enter in form, so use this betting odds preview and tale of the tape analysis as your entry point to one of the biggest boxing bouts of 2026. Expect a brutal, high-tempo fight, and learn how to watch the event in the UK right here!
Wardley vs Dubois: Fight Details
- Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026 (Show starts ~5 pm BST, main-event ringwalk expected ~10 pm)
- Venue: Co-op Live, Manchester (new arena)
- On the Line: WBO World Heavyweight Championship (first defence for Wardley)
While both British heavyweights will step into the ring quite evenly matched in the books, Wardley holds the slightest of edges. However, in an event where one punch can decide the entire outcome, one mustn’t blink or count either jab specialist out.
Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois: Betting Odds
Below is a breakdown of the main available markets and what they mean in the context of this fight.
Note: Odds are subject to change and are correct at the time of writing. Always check 7bet’s sportsbook for the latest prices, and please gamble responsibly. You can set limits to keep spending in check.
Winner
| Fabio Wardley | Daniel Dubois |
| 10/13 | 1/1 |
This is a straightforward pick. Back either Fabio Wardley or Daniel Dubois to win outright. Method of victory or rounds don’t matter (TKO, KO, stoppage or judges). It’s only whose hand is raised after it’s all said and done.
The defending champ Wardley enters this one as a marginal favourite in our sportsbook. Both fighters are so evenly matched on paper that many analysts see it close to 50/50, but Wardley’s unbeaten record and the fact that he’s the champ seem to be enough for a slight edge.
Round Total
| Market | Odds | Market | Odds |
| Over 3.5 | 1/8 | Under 3.5 | 9/2 |
| Over 5.5 | 5/14 | Under 5.5 | 2/1 |
| Over 7.5 | 20/27 | Under 7.5 | 21/20 |
| Over 8.5 | 21/20 | Under 8.5 | 20/27 |
| Over 9.5 | 13/10 | Under 9.5 | 4/7 |
| Over 10.5 | 8/5 | Under 10.5 | 5/11 |
Round Total markets allow bettors to choose a designated threshold and pick either an Over or an Under bet. If you pick “Over”, you expect the bout to go longer than that set line, and vice versa. For example, Over 5.5 means you need the fight to go at least into the sixth round. Odds are impacted by weight divisions (for heavyweights, early KOs are more common), fighter profiles, and stylistic matchups.
Given that both men have a 95% KO ratio and their average fight duration sits around seven to eight rounds, the midpoint markets around the 7th and 8th rounds represent the sharpest battleground in this market. It’s worth knowing, however, that Wardley’s most recent wins have notably come in rounds ten and eleven. By contrast, Dubois tends to explode earlier.
Will the Fight Go the Distance?
| Yes | No |
| 43/20 | 10/31 |
One of the cleanest binary markets out there. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds, and the question is whether we will go to the judges’ decision. Pick “Yes” or “No”, with the latter being the more favoured option, according to implied probabilities (~76%).
Given both fighters’ extraordinary KO ratios, most analysts and bookmakers lean towards a stoppage finish. Wardley’s trainer said publicly that his fighter isn’t worried about having a shoot-out, while the defending champ made his intention to let guns go from the first bell public.
Other Popular Markets
There are some other popular betting markets for boxing events like Wardley vs Dubois that can be available. Let’s gloss over some of them:
- Winning Method – one of the more granular options. Bettors need to correctly identify both the winner and how the bout will settle. For example, Fabio Wardley by KO/TKO/Stoppage would require the defending champ to claim the W via one of those methods. There are a handful of options to choose from. Because the bet requires two correct picks, odds tend to be longer.
- Winner & Round – similar bet, where the bettor needs to identify both the winning boxer and correctly guess the round interval, during which the fight should end. For example, Dubois in Rounds 7 & 8 would require the challenger to KO or earn a stoppage win over Wardley in any of those two rounds.
Fabio Wardley – ‘The Ipswich Wrecking Machine’ (20-0-1, 19 KOs)
Origins & Track Record
Fabio Wardley has one of the most remarkable rise-to-stardom stories in modern British boxing. A former worker in recruitment, Wardley made his debut fight at the age of 20 and did so after only a handful of amateur bouts.
Since turning pro in 2017, the Ipswich Wrecking Machine never looked back. What makes his story so unique is that he has landed a knockdown in every single one of his 20 pro victories and has earned 19 of those wins by KO. Astonishing to say the least.
Style & Technique
Boxing experts could never label Wardley as a traditional technician. He’s a pressure fighter with a great motor, a granite chin and a right hand that is capable of ending careers. Wardley’s style is relentless and unapologetic. The Ipswich native likes to walk his opponents down, cutting off the ring.
Wardley’s best operations happen in mid-to-close range, where he can land heavy combos. While not a deadly one-punch artist per se, ‘The Ipswich Wrecking Machine’ wears his foes down with sustained-fire type attacks. After accumulating enough damage, Wardley can capitalise on opportunities when others begin to wilt.
Late-Round Power
Probably the most dangerous quality of the defending WBO heavyweight champ is his ability to retain power in the later rounds. Against Justis Huni, he was trailing on the scorecards heading into the 10th before a single right hand ended the contest.
Against Joseph Parker – a seasoned world-class operator that gave a decent bout vs Tyson Fury – Wardley was again outboxed. However, he didn’t flinch and unloaded an 11th-round finish that made him a genuine world-title threat. Usyk’s decision to vacate the WBO belt rather than face Wardley might be one of the indications about the respect his power commands.
Entering the Bout vs Dubois
Wardley will enter the May 9 event as the No. 1-ranked heavyweight by Ring magazine. At 31, he is seemingly at his peak, fighting with huge confidence. His trainer openly spoke about Wardley’s willingness to engage in a firefight. Whether that bravado is tactical or genuine, you can expect ‘The Ipswich Wrecking Machine’ to try and back these claims up once he climbs through the ropes.
Fabio Wardley – Last 5 Fights
| Opponent | Date | Result |
| Joseph Parker | October 2025 | Win (TKO, R11) |
| Justis Huni | June 2025 | Win (KO, R10) |
| Frazer Clarke II | October 2024 | Win (TKO, R1) |
| Frazer Clarke I | April 2024 | Draw (SD) |
| David Adeleye | October 2023 | Win (TKO, R7) |
Daniel Dubois – ‘Triple D’ (22-3, 21 KOs)
Origins & Track Record
Born into a boxing family and training from the age of 6, Dubois accumulated a very solid 69-6 amateur record. He was a sensation in the junior categories before turning pro. Whoever saw him box back then claimed that the man seemed destined for professional greatness.
As it turns out, those people were right, as DDD became one of the most explosive heavyweights in modern British boxing.
Style & Technique
From a style and technique analysis standpoint, Dubois remains one of the most dangerous pound-for-pound punchers amongst all heavyweights. He stands 6 feet 5 inches with an 78-inch reach (identical to Wardley) and carries hands extremely well. All experts agree that one of his strongest weapons is the ability to leverage his jabs and right-hand attacks.
Prince Naseem Hamed noted ahead of this fight that Dubois ‘hits to the body very well’. Panels agree that this can even become a deciding factor.
Legacy
While he has a 95% KO ratio heading in, Dubois’ legacy can’t be separated from his two losses against the modern-day heavyweight GOAT – Oleksandr Usyk. In their first outing, Dubois had the undisputed champ on the canvas in the 5th, until a controversial call ruled a low blow. Usyk recovered and won in R9.
In their second outing, which happened in July 2025, it was more of the same. Dubois had his moments, but Usyk ultimately proved to be too strong and overwhelmed the Englishman with one of the nastier left-hand KO victories in his career.
Yet, sandwiched between those defeats came the performance of his career: a 5th round demolition of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 people. That alone made him a household name in the boxing world.
Entering the Bout vs Wardley
Experts and analytics agree that while the pair looks evenly matched, there are more question marks surrounding Dubois. The main concern is how he reacts when hurt. While having an advantage in big fights over Wardley, Dubois has shown vulnerability (especially against Usyk) when he’s on the receiving end of some serious power. With that being said, Triple D is reunited with head trainer Don Charles, a move that many view as a positive way to unlock his true potential.
Daniel Dubois – Last 5 Fights
| Opponent | Date | Result |
| Oleksandr Usyk (II) | July 2025 | Loss (KO, R5) |
| Anthony Joshua | September 2024 | Win (KO, R5) |
| Filip Hrgovic | June 2024 | Win (TKO, R8) – IBF Title |
| Jarrell Miller | December 2023 | Win (KO, R10) |
| Oleksandr Usyk (I) | August 2023 | Loss (KO, R9) |
Tale of the Tape
| Fabio Wardley | Daniel Dubois | |
| Fabio Wardley | Name | Daniel Dubois |
| 31 | Age on Fight Night | 28 |
| The Ipswich Wrecking Machine | Nickname | Triple D |
| 6’ 5” / 196 cm | Height | 6’ 5” / 196 cm |
| 78” / 198 cm | Reach | 78” / 198 cm |
| Orthodox | Stance | Orthodox |
| 20-0-1, 19 KOs | Professional Record | 22-3, 21 KOs |
| 95% | KO Ratio | 95% |
| Ipswich, Suffolk | Hometown | Greenwich, London |
| 2017 | Pro Debut | 2017 |
Expert Opinions & Key Facts Before the Fight
Both the odds and the world of boxing seem to be closely and genuinely divided on this one, making Don’t Blink – Wardley vs Dubois one of the most compelling matchups.
The consensus from most analysts is that the fight hinges on two key questions: can Wardley carry his brutal late-round power into the second half of the fight, and can Dubois avoid the kind of sustained accumulation that has caused him problems in the past? If this turns into a firefight early, however, the final answer may come without warning.
How to Watch Wardley vs Dubois in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, the ‘Don’t Blink’ event of Wardley vs Dubois is exclusively available on DAZN as a PPV event. Existing DAZN Ultimate subscribers receive access as part of their plan at no additional cost. Check out DAZN’s website for more detailed information.
The undercard should start around 7:00 PM BST, while the main event ring walks are expected around 10:00 PM.
FAQ
How Much Will the Fighters Earn from this Bout?
Official figures are not yet public. While Dubois earned around $71 million from his bout against Usyk last year, purses will likely be more modest on May 9. Still, reports suggest high-stakes numbers, probably well into seven figures, considering this is a title bout.
What‘s on the Line on May 9?
Fabio Wardley’s WBO World Heavyweight Championship belt is. It will be his first title defence.
Has there been any Bad Blood Between Wardley and Dubois?
Yes — in fact, Dubois has publicly refused to shake hands with Wardley at promotional events ahead of the fight, suggesting the atmosphere between these two British rivals is genuinely icy.
What Happens to the Winner After May 9?
Oleksandr Usyk has made it public that he intends to watch this spectacle with great interest. There will be a prospect of a future unification bout, no doubt. However, Agit Kabayel, the mandatory WBO challenger, is also waiting in the wings, so there’s a lot to play for and fight for.
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