This Dubois vs Wardley moment shows why heavyweight fight was a modern classic and boxing is more than alive and well.
Boxing is booming and is set to do much more shortly as it returns to the masses worldwide.
Inoue vs Nakatani set an all time 4th highest gate record worldwide in boxing as well this month.
But the above Dubois vs Wardley exchange per the above photo is something else.
Dubois on the end of a savage uppercut from Wardley who was badly bust up as you can see by that point by Dubois.
A real war in the boxing ring that one.
Wardley with a broken nose still managing to walk Dubois onto the right uppercut which Dubois was able to get through.
Power through and come back and still stop Wardley inside the distance after being knocked down earlier in the fight as well.
Not only that, but the fight itself was a modern day classic, here’s why:
- Chaos in 10 seconds: Wardley dropped Dubois instantly.
- Both men hit the canvas: Dubois was down twice, then rallied.
- 11-round war: Relentless action until the ref stopped it.
- “Fight of the Year” tags: Media and Warren called it an instant classic.
- Wardley showed insane heart: Fought through a shut eye and heavy bleeding.
- Dubois silenced doubters: Came back from two knockdowns to win.
- WBO title on the line: All-British clash for a world belt.
- Brutal visuals: Blood, swelling, and nonstop power shots.
- Controversy added fuel: Debate over late stoppage and round 7 chaos.
- Mutual respect after: Wardley walked out, no hospital, just grit.
Sure, the heavyweight division is not what it used to be but the above fight delivered last weekend.
It’s all about the fights at the end of the day.
It always has been.
That’s why boxing will return to the masses properly worldwide in 2026 more than ever since the 1980s.
The fights, 99% of the time, are excellent. Very entertaining.
That’s why.
Fabio Wardley might be on the sidelines for a while.
