Fabio Wardley’s manager gives Daniel Dubois rematch update as quick timeline ruled out

Fabio Wardley has returned to some light training but the rematch with Daniel Dubois will not come until he is ready.

Wardley made a first defence of his WBO title in a British blockbuster with Dubois, but was beaten in an all-time classic.

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The Ipswich native lost his title with a valiant effort, but sustained facial damage after absorbing great punishment in gruelling warfare.

Despite not attending hospital, Wardley has some injuries that would need time to heal, and would take time away from the sport.

However, he did decide during his rest period to activate his rematch clause.

It was expected that the sequel could land in the final quarter of 2026, to ensure Dubois isn’t out of the ring for too long.

But Wardley’s manager Michael Ofo insists it won’t be in three months’ time as suggested, despite his improvement in physical condition.

He explained to Boxing Scene: “No news yet [on when the rematch will be], but we’ve activated the rematch clause.

“I’ve spoken to Fabio. Fabio’s excited to be in such a fight again, knows the mistakes that he made, and wants to get it back in blood.

“Again, I think it’s down to when Fabio wants to take it. He’s resting at the moment.

“The clause is in favour of Fabio. So there’s no rush. I’ve heard people say it’s going to happen within three months.

“It’s not going to happen within three months. It happens when Fabio’s ready.”

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On Wardley’s injuries, Ofo added: “He came out of the ring. Numerous doctors saw him backstage. He wasn’t concussed.

“There was nothing broken. No nose broken, no fractures. It was purely just the cosmetics. So it’s just blood, which his nose always goes.

“So yeah, he’s resting up, healing, and he’s actually been doing a little bit of training. So Fabio’s fine.”

Could Dubois fight in meantime?

When joining talkSPORT, Dubois insisted he isn’t willing to wait too long out of the ring for Wardley.

‘Dynamite’, as he is entitled to, wants to keep up his activity and fight again in 2026.

It is unclear if he will take another fight in the meantime, which would see him likely defend his belt elsewhere.

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But should he lose, it may interfere with Wardley wanting to challenge to win his WBO title back.