Daniel Dubois Stops Fabio Wardley in 11th to Claim WBO Heavyweight Title

Daniel Dubois claimed the WBO world heavyweight title with a stoppage of Fabio Wardley 28 seconds into the 11th round of a bloody fight. Referee Howard Foster, his pale blue shirt soaked red, stepped in to halt the bout and save the courageous Wardley.

The stoppage came after the ringside doctor had checked Wardley twice for his badly cut and broken nose, which poured blood over his face. Both fighters earned praise for their epic clash. Dubois went down twice, first 10 seconds after the opening bell, but rose each time with resolve. He outboxed Wardley with a sharp jab and landed heavy shots on the fading champion.

The 31-year-old Wardley from Ipswich took his first loss but never quit or went down in the riveting battle. Dubois arrived late to the Manchester venue because of traffic. Last July, he lost in five rounds to Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium after partying at home beforehand, a mistake that cost him against the skilled Ukrainian.

Dubois entered to Salt-N-Pepa's Whatta Man, looking focused and menacing with his size. Wardley, in a blue robe for Ipswich Town, walked out calm despite sweat on his face. Fans chanted "Oh, Fabio Wardley" and roared at his introduction. He raised his right arm in thanks.

Wardley's first punch, a huge right, floored Dubois atop the head. Dubois got up steady, charged back, and both tumbled to the canvas. In round two, Dubois landed a sharp right that jolted Wardley. Midway through the third, another Wardley right to the temple dropped Dubois again. Past quit claims against Dubois faded as he fought on.

Wardley absorbed punishment over the next seven rounds but rocked Dubois often. From the fifth, his face swelled. A Dubois straight left knocked out his gumshield. Foster replaced it, but Wardley dug deep. Sweat flew with every hard shot. Blood trickled from his nose as Dubois pinned him on the ropes.

The fight turned in the seventh. A right cross hit Wardley's face, but he rallied and hurt Dubois until Foster separated them to boos. In round eight, Dubois battered Wardley in his corner. Wardley spat blood, hands low, and staggered back under assault.

Early ninth, Foster took Wardley to the doctor for his nose wound. Cleared to fight, Wardley landed clubbing shots and rocked Dubois before taking more punishment. At the 10th's start, Foster checked him again. The doctor let him continue amid cheers. Wardley ate heavy shots but stood firm until the bell.

The end came quickly in the 11th. Wardley will likely return stronger, but the defeat and damage from Dubois demand reflection. Dubois proved champions can rebound from losses and knockdowns.