Fabio Wardley was caught reassuring his mum that he was all good after suffering a nasty stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois.
The 31-year-old from Ipswich lost the WBO heavyweight title to Dubois in his first defence of the title in Manchester on Saturday night.
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Dubois matched Wardley’s warrior-like spirit and landed some punishing blows to get the winCredit: PA
Wardley scored two knockdowns in the first three rounds, but Dubois outboxed the champion as the clock ticked on, eventually scoring a brutal stoppage in the 11th.
Members of the boxing fraternity, including two-weight world champion Carl Frampton on commentary, were calling for the fight to be stopped earlier than it was.
Wardley‘s face was completely busted up by round 11, with his right eye closed up and his nose oozing blood.
It was worrying scenes just before the stoppage for Wardley, who had stumbled to and from his corner as the bout went on.
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No updates have been issued yet on Wardley’s current health status.
However, the Briton was caught reassuring his family after the final bell that he was holding up well, despite the mess on his face.
Wardley reassures mum after Dubois loss
“I’m okay, I’m okay,” Wardley can be heard telling his mum while leaning on the ropes.
And Wardley’s mum, Shonni-leigh, responds: “I love you, I am so proud of you.”
Wardley vs Dubois has been labelled by many as boxing’s fight of the year already.
Chris Eubank Jr acknowledged the classic on social media, writing on X: “Wardley vs Dubois fight of the year 2026.”
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Referee Howard Foster was covered in blood during the fightCredit: PAMore reaction following Dubois’ triumph
Promoter Frank Warren said in the ring: “These two guys showed such heart, great heart.
“It was an amazing fight, absorbing, exciting and the best heavyweight fight I’ve ever put on.
“Daniel’s back, and Fabio, he’s not going anywhere either, he’ll be back. True, true, brave, gutsy man. Hats off to both of them.”
Warren also revealed that there was a rematch clause in the contract for Wardley vs Dubois, but nothing has been made official.
Dubois, meanwhile, thanked Wardley for going to war with him in Manchester during his post-fight interview.
“We came through the sticky moments. Thank you, Fabio, for that. Thank you,” the 28-year-old said.
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Dubois will no doubt have another huge fight lined up for him nextCredit: Getty
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Wardley may need more time to recover, but is not going anywhere just yetCredit: Getty
“What a great fight, what a great battle, man.”
‘Triple D’ can now look forward to an even bigger battle next.
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk previously admitted that he wanted to fight the winner of Wardley vs Dubois.
However, the Ukrainian, who faces Rico Verhoeven on May 23, has already defeated Dubois twice, so there may be a better fight elsewhere.
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Moses Itauma was in attendance on the night and said before the fight during DAZN’s live broadcast that he would accept Dubois in a heartbeat.
Boxing schedule
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