Dubois’ Camp Eye Wardley Fight

Daniel Dubois is preparing for a return to the ring as his manager, Sam Jones, steers him toward a showdown with WBO Heavyweight Champion Fabio Wardley. 

This shift in focus comes as Dubois has reportedly withdrawn from the IBF title elimination process, choosing to bypass a mandatory clash with Frank Sanchez in favor of a direct route to the WBO belt. Jones has expressed his desire for Dubois to return in April or May 2026, aiming to capitalize on Wardley’s newly elevated status.

Wardley was upgraded to full WBO champion in November 2025 after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title. For Dubois, this fight offers a dual reward: the chance to become a two-time world champion and a potential third encounter with Usyk further down the line.

Following his knockout loss to Usyk in July 2025, Dubois split with longtime trainer Don Charles after losing his IBF belt. He is now training under Tony Sims. Sam Jones, who joined Team Dubois in an advisory role in August 2025, is leveraging his relationship with Queensberry Promotions to secure the Wardley bout.

Will It Happen?

Jones previously managed Joe Joyce, the first man to defeat Dubois. Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Fabio Wardley is also targeting a return in April 2026. While mandatory challenger Moses Itauma remains in the mix, a Dubois vs. Wardley clash is considered the more lucrative commercial option. 

“He’s (Usyk) looking at fights now for risk and reward. I just feel that he thinks the risk for the reward is not justified. So, we’ll see where we’re going. Fabio will be boxing in April. We’re working on meeting up with him and his manager next week. We’re going to have some lunch and work out what we’re doing,” Warren said

“April, latest May. Fabio Wardley is the champion, so it would be a voluntary defence. But outside of Joshua, Tyson Fury and Usyk,  Dubois is the biggest name for Fabio Wardley to fight, which would therefore generate the most money. If Fabio Wardley gets the Usyk fight then all credit to him, he deserves that opportunity. But … if he wants to make that fight, we can make it very, very quickly,” Jones said