Wardley vs Dubois: 95% KO Power Collides in Manchester — Winner Gets Usyk Next
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 05 May 2026
After a super exciting boxing weekend, how about this one for this Saturday, May 9: Fabio Wardley defending his WBO heavyweight world title against the always dangerous Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois!
It’s indeed a high-stakes showdown in Manchester, England, which likely won’t go the distance.
Just look at the thrilling numbers: Wardley 95% KO ratio, Dubois 95% KO ratio. These big boys can crack a wall!
👉 The WBO Heavyweight Title on the Line
Wardley is the WBO heavyweight world champion, while Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts. That’s because the undisputed Usyk vacated the WBO title in late 2025, which elevated Fabio from interim to full champion. 👍
The big question fans are asking is: If Wardley beats Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs), will he unify with Usyk next?
Short Answer: Most likely and Hopefully Yes! Fabio wants Usyk. And Usyk wants the winner!
If Wardley successfully defends against the raw power of Dubois this Saturday, he’s lined up to face Oleksandr Usyk next. In theory, at least.
👉 Usyk’s Retirement Roadmap
Usyk has already told fans his 3-fight farewell plan:
• Holland’s “King of Kickboxing” Rico Verhoeven this May 23. Soon.
• Then, the winner of Wardley vs Dubois, with luck by the end of this year.
• And finally, a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury. This one who knows because Fury is set to battle Anthony Joshua late this year.
Then, Usyk hangs up the gloves. That’s what he said.
👉 Wardley’s Mindset
Fabio has made it clear he wants Usyk as his next challenge. That is cool 😎 and great!
He says he’s chasing the toughest fights. Awesome!
But he’s staying cautiously optimistic. Despite being on Usyk’s wishlist, Wardley told fans he won’t celebrate anything until he beats Dubois and the contract to fight Usyk is signed. Very good 👍
So, will Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) outbox and stop former titlist Dubois, setting the stage for a showdown with the great Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) by the end of this 2026, while Fury is fighting Joshua?
Sounds good to me! Most importantly, what do you think? May the Best Men Win!! 🇬🇧👍🥊
This story was written by veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines ☀️
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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