Fabio Wardley’s manager, Mike Ofo, has backed the Ipswich-born heavyweight to win another world title, despite a detrimental second defeat against Daniel Dubois.
After losing via TKO against ‘Triple D’ back in May, Wardley was praised for the heart and grit shown in the 11-round, all-British war.
Despite knocking Dubois down twice in the early rounds of the first fight, few gave the 31-year-old a chance in the rematch due to the damage that he’d sustained at Manchester’s Co-op Live.
As some predicted, it was a demolition job from ‘DDD’, unleashing a devastating barrage of punches before Wardley’s corner threw in the towel to stop the fight
In spite of suggestions that Wardley should retire after such a devastating defeat, his manager – Mike Ofo – has backed him to return to the top of the heavyweight division.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, he said:
“Fabio has had a remarkable run, and there is no doubt that he still has a bright future ahead of him.
"Now is the time for him to enjoy a well-earned rest, to recover and consider his options. His journey has already been nothing short of remarkable, an extraordinary story of grit, determination and achievement.
"I fully expect him to continue competing at the very highest levels of the sport and to win another world title if that is what he chooses to do."
Where Wardley goes from here remains to be seen, but an immediate title fight feels unlikely after failing to reclaim the WBO heavyweight strap at the 02 Arena.
The manner in which he lost the fight means that a lengthy break is all but guaranteed, and so the former heavyweight champion will be in no rush to select his next opponent.
A rematch with Joseph Parker – who Wardley defeated to win the WBO interim heavyweight belt back in October 2025 – could be an option, while the likes of Jarrell Miller and Lawrence Okolie are ranked highly with different governing bodies and could offer the Brit an opportunity to climb the rankings and put himself back in the frame for a title shot.
