Daniel Dubois emphatically answered questions about his mental resilience by twice rising from the canvas to claim the WBO heavyweight title with an 11th-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley.
Early Drama in Manchester
Knocked down after just 10 seconds by the first punch Wardley landed in the maiden defence of his crown, panic spread across the face of Dubois. He was then dropped again in the third round, facing an early crisis against the unbeaten champion.
Dubois Weathers the Storm
However, Dubois weathered the early onslaught and started to land punishing shots of his own. Showing his boxing acumen, he established control and left the wilder Wardley's face bloodied and battered. The challenger's composure and skill turned the tide in a brutal contest.
Relentless Pressure Pays Off
Wardley gamely hung on in a slugfest for the ages, remaining upright throughout despite absorbing heavy punishment. But he was put out of his misery when the referee stepped in at the start of the penultimate round, saving him from further damage.
Three-Time World Champion
With this victory, Dubois (now 23-3, 22 KOs) became a three-time world champion and halted Wardley's fairytale run from white-collar boxer to WBO titlist. More importantly, he quietened his critics who had questioned his spirit and durability after past setbacks.
The win cements Dubois's place among the heavyweight elite, proving he possesses both the heart and skill to compete at the highest level.
