Fabio Wardley defends his WBO heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois on Saturday 9 May 2026 at Co-op Live in Manchester. Billed as “Don’t Blink” by promoters Queensberry, this all-British heavyweight clash pits the unbeaten champion against a former IBF titleholder in what promises to be one of the most explosive fights of the year, with 40 combined knockouts from 42 wins between them.
What is Wardley vs Dubois?
Wardley vs Dubois is a 12-round contest for the WBO heavyweight championship of the world. Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) makes the first defence of the title he won in October 2025, when he stopped former champion Joseph Parker in the eleventh round. His challenger, Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs), is a former IBF heavyweight champion best known for his devastating fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. With both men carrying genuine one-punch power, the bout has been dubbed “Don’t Blink” for good reason.
When is Wardley vs Dubois?
The fight takes place on Saturday 9 May 2026. The DAZN broadcast begins at 6:00pm BST (1:00pm ET, 10:00am PT), with the main event ringwalks expected at approximately 10:00pm BST (5:00pm ET, 2:00pm PT). The undercard features several notable bouts, including Jared Anderson vs Solomon Dacres at heavyweight and Jack Rafferty vs Ekow Essuman at welterweight.
Where is Wardley vs Dubois?
The fight takes place at Co-op Live in Manchester, the largest indoor arena in the United Kingdom with a capacity of 23,500. Opened in May 2024, the venue sits on the Etihad Campus next to Manchester City’s stadium. It features 32 bars and restaurants across five levels and has quickly established itself as a premier destination for major boxing events. Co-op Live is a 25-minute walk from Manchester city centre, with excellent transport links via the Bee Network.
Key Contenders
Fabio Wardley brings an unbeaten record and a remarkable 95% knockout ratio to the ring. The Ipswich-born fighter took an unconventional route to the top, bypassing the amateur circuit entirely and rising through white-collar boxing before turning professional in 2017. He has since won the English, British, Commonwealth, and WBO heavyweight titles, culminating in his world title victory over Joseph Parker. Trained by Ben Davison, Wardley combines high-volume aggression with devastating finishing power.
Daniel Dubois, known as “Dynamite”, was one of Britain’s most decorated amateurs before turning professional at 19. His career has featured dramatic highs and lows: a tenth-round stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk (in 2023 and 2025), but also a stunning knockout of Anthony Joshua that announced him as a genuine world-level force. At 28, Dubois possesses the power and experience to trouble any heavyweight, but questions remain about his resilience at the highest level. Wardley is the slight favourite at 4/5, with Dubois available at evens.
How to Watch
Wardley vs Dubois is available worldwide on DAZN pay-per-view. In the UK, the PPV costs £24.99, or £39.99 as a bundle with the Chisora vs Wilder card. UK subscribers to DAZN’s Ultimate Tier (£24.99 per month) receive PPV events included. In the United States, the PPV is priced at $89.99 as a bundle, or is included with the DAZN Ultimate subscription at $44.99 per month. DAZN streams in over 200 countries, making the fight accessible to a global audience through the DAZN app on smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers.
History and Records
This is the first time Wardley and Dubois have met in the ring, though both fighters have been on a collision course for several years as the leading British heavyweights of their generation. Wardley’s only blemish is a draw against Frazer Clarke, while Dubois’ three career losses have all come by knockout. The Co-op Live has hosted major boxing cards since its opening, and this WBO title fight represents one of the biggest all-British heavyweight showdowns since Tyson Fury’s domestic rivalries.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for Wardley vs Dubois are available through Ticketmaster, with hospitality and VIP packages offered by official partners including Seat Unique and QDOS Hospitality. Premium Club packages start from £240, while VIP executive suites accommodating up to 16 guests are available on enquiry. Standard tickets have been in high demand, with several tiers already sold out. The event is expected to attract a capacity crowd of over 20,000 at Co-op Live.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Wardley vs Dubois start?
The broadcast begins at 6:00pm BST on Saturday 9 May 2026, with main event ringwalks expected at approximately 10:00pm BST.
Where is Wardley vs Dubois being held?
The fight takes place at Co-op Live, Manchester, the UK’s largest indoor arena.
How can I watch Wardley vs Dubois?
The fight is available on DAZN PPV worldwide. In the UK it costs £24.99, and in the US it is priced at $89.99 as part of a bundle or included with DAZN Ultimate.
What are Wardley and Dubois’ records?
Fabio Wardley is 20-0-1 with 19 knockouts. Daniel Dubois is 22-3 with 21 knockouts.