Frank Warren has appeared to hint Fabio Wardley will not make a first defence of his world title against Daniel Dubois.
Wardley was upgraded from interim champion to full WBO title holder, after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt in pursuit of a showdown with Deontay Wilder.
3
Wardley is set to return in April, but it appears his next fight won’t be against DuboisCredit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
It was a proud moment for the venomous puncher, who is now seeking a first defence of his title this year.
Promoter Warren suggested to talkSPORT that Wardley will return in April, and has been heavily linked to an all-British dust-up with Dubois.
‘Dynamite’ similarly is pursuing a return in spring, and his advisor Sam Jones is pushing for an immediate shot at gold against Wardley.
But in a new update, Warren stated that it was not brought up in recent fight discussions, despite being fond of the potential clash.
Read More In Boxing
He told talkSPORT’s White&Jordan: “We will be announcing a couple more shows in the coming weeks.
“One will be featuring Daniel Dubois, one will be featuring Fabio Wardley. We are delivering some cracking shows for the fans.
“I don’t know [if Dubois vs Wardley will happen. I love that fight between two big punchers, that’d be exciting.
“We are talking to both sides at the moment, and that’s not something that’s been discussed.”
Who could Wardley and Dubois fight instead?
Dubois is likely to have a number of options upon his return, which would be his first outing since being stopped in his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in July.
And he could now look to fight someone within the top 20 of the governing bodies, to try and put himself back in the mix for that world title shot against Wardley later in the year.
3
Warren has told talkSPORT that announcements are due for both Wardley and Dubois imminently
It would also help him blow away any cobwebs before any pursuit at becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion.
As for Wardley, he has a number of potential suitors to be his first challenger.
Most recently, Tyson Fury called for a showdown with the champion, which he accepted and insisted he’d be open towards.
But that clash would likely come later in the year, with Fury reversing his retirement and needing a tune-up fight after time out of the ring.
Wardley did reveal that talks had been held with veteran Derek Chisora over a potential bout.
3
Dubois’ team suggested he was open to facing Wardley but it is off the cards for nowCredit: Leigh Dawney / Queensberry
It would likely make an adequate swansong for the British boxing cult hero for his 50th and final fight.
But announcements are clearly pending with the heavyweight scene becoming increasingly exciting and set to explode in 2026.