標籤: Heavyweight

The Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley heavyweight fight at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on May 9 was one of the most brutal boxing matches of 2026. Daniel Dubois went to the canvas twice before stopping Fabio Wardley in the 11th round to win back the WBO world heavyweight title and become a two-time champion.

The fight featured constant exchanges, heavy punches and dramatic momentum shifts that kept fans engaged from start to finish. After the fight, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk shared his honest reaction during an interview with DAZN Boxing.

While Usyk praised Dubois for the victory, he also questioned Wardley’s tactics and raised concerns about the damage both fighters suffered during the intense heavyweight battle. His comments soon became one of the biggest talking points in boxing.

Oleksandr Usyk Criticizes Fabio Wardley’s Tactics in Daniel Dubois Fight

Oleksandr Usyk focused heavily on Fabio Wardley’s lack of basic boxing technique during the Daniel Dubois fight. Speaking to DAZN Boxing, Usyk questioned why Wardley failed to use his jab throughout the contest.

“This is a street fight. Congratulations Dubois, good job, new world champion, but Fabio, where’s the jab? Fabio, where?. [He] Never stabbed. maybe once. Only the right hand, only the right hand. Not working. Very strong chin but I think this is a street fight, it’s a problem for both guys [the] Brain and Health.”

Wardley enters the fight with strong momentum after defending the WBO titles against Justice Hauni and Joseph Parker in 2025. Many expected him to control the fight against Dubois. Instead, Wardley relied primarily on power punches and aggressive exchanges.

Dubois handled the pressure and gradually turned the fight around with body shots and forward movement. As the round continued, Wardley endured more punishment while his offense became less effective.

Daniel Dubois revives heavyweight boxing career after brutal victory over Fabio Wardley

Daniel Dubois’ victory marked another big moment in his return to heavyweight boxing. Dubois had faced criticism after previous losses, including to Oleksandr Usyk. However, the British heavyweight showed toughness and grit against Wardley.

Dubois survived two knockdowns before taking control in the later rounds. His pressure and conditioning ultimately overwhelmed Wardley in the 11th round.

The result also changed the immediate future of the heavyweight division. Usyk has previously expressed interest in fighting the winner as he continues his pursuit of another undisputed heavyweight championship run. That plan will now be put on hold as Wardley has activated the rematch clause in his contract.

Promoters are already discussing a second Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley fight after the first bout received praise from fans and the boxing media.

Oleksandr Usyk warned about health risks after heavyweight fight

Oleksandr Usyk’s biggest concern after the Daniel Dubois fight centered around fighter safety. The Ukrainian champion said the fight looked more like a “street fight” than a technical boxing match.

Both the giants faced clean punches for about 11 rounds. Wardley’s tenacity helped him stay in the fight, but his defensive mistakes allowed Dubois to be landed repeatedly.

Usyk’s comments reflect growing concerns about the long-term health risks associated with repeated head injuries and punishing fighting in boxing. Even though fans applauded the action, Usyk stressed that constant exchanges without smart defense can cause serious problems for fighters later in life.

At 39 years old, Usyk is one of boxing’s top technical fighters. He is preparing to defend his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza this weekend.

For now, the heavyweight division is focused on Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley and a potential rematch that could shape the next title picture.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Andy Ruiz Jr. has sparked new debate in the heavyweight division after naming Tyson Fury as the most decorated active fighter. The comments come just days before Fury returns to the ring, drawing more attention to an already high-profile bout.

Former unified champion Ruiz made the comments during a recent interview in which he was asked to identify the highest-rated boxer in the sport today.

Their response was direct and immediate focused on Fury, a fighter widely considered one of the top heavyweights of his era. The timing of the statement has attracted attention as Fury is preparing to fight again after a period of inactivity and recent defeat.

Andy Ruiz Jr. questions Tyson Fury’s condition

Ruiz initially hesitated before giving his answer. “I don’t know, there are some of them that I want to say, but I don’t want to blow them out.”

“I’m going to say Tyson Fury because they hype him up so much but to me, I don’t even think he’s a crazy fighter. Yes, he’s done a lot in the sport. But I think the only guy he really beat was Wilder. So yes, I’m going to say Tyson Fury.”

Fury, known as “The Gypsy King”, has put together a strong record that includes a trilogy with Deontay Wilder. Their second fight in 2020 ended in a knockout victory for Fury and it remains one of the defining fights of his career.

Ruiz’s comments focus on how Fury is viewed in light of his recent performances. While acknowledging Fury’s accomplishments, Ruiz suggested that the level of praise may exceed the performances he has shown in the ring in recent years.

Tyson Fury returns after defeat by Oleksandr Usyk

Fury is set to return to action against Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This fight is his first appearance in 16 months.

His last outing came in December 2024, when he lost a rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh. Usyk had also defeated Fury earlier that year, making it four consecutive losses for Fury against the same opponent.

These results have raised questions about Fury’s current position in the division. The upcoming fight gives him a chance to return to winning form and re-establish momentum.

The event also features Conor Benn against Regis Prograis on the same card.

Ruiz remains a notable figure in the heavyweight division. In 2019, he defeated Anthony Joshua by stoppage in New York, scoring four knockdowns and winning multiple world titles.

Joshua regained the belt in a rematch in Saudi Arabia later that year, but Ruiz’s first win remains one of the division’s most significant results in recent years.

As Fury prepares for his return, Ruiz’s comments add another layer to the discussion surrounding the heavyweight landscape. As the division continues to feature several active contenders and upcoming bouts, the focus now turns to Fury’s performance and what lies ahead in his career.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce