Wardley Could Activate Rematch Clause Following Title Loss
Fabio Wardley may seek an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois after a dramatic loss of his WBO heavyweight title in Manchester. In an intense all-British showdown, Dubois emerged victorious, overcoming two knockdowns to stop Wardley in the 11th round on Saturday night.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the presence of a rematch clause in the fight contract, allowing Wardley to initiate a return bout despite having lost his WBO belt during his first defense.
“There’s a rematch clause in the contract,” Warren mentioned in an interview. “Let the dust settle; there’s a lot happening in the heavyweight division and we’ll see how it unfolds.”
When further queried about the prospects of a rematch, Warren emphasized, “The decision is ultimately up to the fighters.” He expressed his preference for pushing for a rematch but acknowledged the need for both athletes to take adequate rest before stepping back into the ring.
Dubois, who faced defeat against Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch last July, has silenced any doubts about his determination to compete again. His recent victory over Wardley demonstrated his resilience and courage, earning praise from Warren, who stated, “He showed his worth, heart, and fighting spirit.”
Warren’s optimism for Wardley’s future remains strong. He believes that the loss is not the end for the fighter. “It takes two to create such an exciting match, and there were moments when I thought Fabio might win,” he noted. “He is certainly more than capable of bouncing back, and we will ensure he has every opportunity to do so.”
Aiming for Unified Titles: Dubois vs. Kabayer?
Ajit Kabayer, present ringside during the fight, expressed his desire to challenge Dubois in the near future. Currently, unified champion Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBC title, but Warren indicated that Usyk could be stripped of the belt unless he faces Kabayer in his upcoming bout scheduled for May 23 in Egypt.
“If Usyk chooses to fight Kabayer next, that’s entirely up to him,” Warren told interviewers. “If he opts out, he risks either surrendering that title or being forced to give it up.”
Warren, also a supporter of Kabayer, confirmed that a matchup between Kabayer and Dubois is feasible. “This will happen, but Agit is next in line. It’s the most logical path forward,” he said. “If Usyk decides to relinquish the title, Kabayer could compete against the winner of this fight.”
The undefeated Kabayer currently holds the interim WBC title, having stopped Damien Knaiba in January. He is eager for a world title unification bout with Dubois, stating, “I am the WBC’s No. 1 contender and I await clarity on the Rico vs. Usyk situation. If Usyk offers me the belt, I will be ready to take on the winner.”
