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Fight reportDonald McRae<\/p>\n
Daniel Dubois completed his latest resurgence with brutal efficiency when he became the WBO world heavyweight champion after stopping Fabio Wardley early in the 11th round of a dramatic and blood-soaked contest. Howard Foster, whose pale blue shirt had turned crimson as if he worked in an abattoir rather than in a boxing ring as a referee, jumped between the courageous fighters to rescue Wardley 28 seconds into the penultimate round.<\/p>\n
It was a merciful stoppage because the fallen champion, with his face a mask of blood pouring from his badly cut and broken nose, had been examined twice before by the ringside doctor. Both fighters emerged with enormous credit after an epic battle.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n Donald McRae is ringside in Manchester and there\u2019s no hint of Guardian bias when I say I cannot think of a writer more appropriate to make sense of the madness I just watched unfold.<\/p>\n His report has landed and I will leave you to read it. Which is exactly what I will be doing. Thanks for following the fight with us.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.33 EDT<\/p>\n Can\u2019t be doing with the talk of what\u2019s next for either combatant just yet \u2013 let them both rest.<\/p>\n That said, it does shake up Britain\u2019s remarkable heavyweight scene, which right now has five boxers who could easily be in any world top 10. For my money, after tonight, the Brits would rank something like: 1) Tyson Fury, 2) Daniel Dubois, 3) Fabio Wardley, 4) Moses Itauma, 5) Anthony Joshua \u2026 but Itauma might well be the most gifted of the lot. Just needs the fights to prove it.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Time to end the questions about Dubois\u2019 fighting spirit, of course. Perhaps getting outboxed is actually more difficult for Dubois to take than being thumped? He relished the firefight and was gracious in his words about Fabio Wardley post-fight.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Not to be lost in the carnage, the chaos: Daniel Dubois has won a version of the heavyweight title for the second time. After he was sat on his backside in the opening 10 seconds!<\/p>\n How he reversed his fortunes from there, especially after another knockdown in round three, is scarcely believable. He arguably won every round in which he wasn\u2019t knocked down \u2013 but there was some serious back-and-forth along the way.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fabio Wardley is shown post-fight, reassuring his family that he is OK. \u201cI\u2019m all right, I\u2019m all right,\u201d he repeats, with clear eyes.<\/p>\n I seriously hope that he is. Not to be a killjoy but that spectacle became tough to watch at the end. Wardley should\u2019ve been saved from his own bravery. You simply cannot start a round swaying, barely able to stand, as Wardley was at the beginning of round 10. The referee should\u2019ve called it there and we\u2019d still be taking about an all-time great fight.<\/p>\n Remarkable show of durability and heart by both boxers, of course.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cFabio Wardley\u2019s chin deserves a knighthood,\u201d says Darren Barker. Carl Frampton, another former world champion, is equally in awe of the epic scrap \u2013 although he describes it as \u201csickening\u201d watching Wardley stumble into the fray at the end.<\/p>\n I concur, the referee or his corner should have stepped in before the 10th round, at least.<\/p>\n Maybe they were swayed by the boos of the crowd when Wardley was being inspected \u2013 or it was simply that Wardley kept on landing, somehow, someway, even while he was getting pummelled by Dubois.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.04 EDT<\/p>\n So, an 11-round Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns? A heavyweight version of Diego Corrales-Jos\u00e9 Luis Castillo or Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward? A real-life Rocky Balboa-Ivan Drago?<\/p>\n You name it. That epic see-saw slugfest is simply one of the most remarkable, action-packed, intense boxing contests of all time.<\/p>\n I just hope both men, who showed such unreal heart, are relatively undamaged. Unhurt is impossible. Fabio Wardley\u2019s face was a state, it was hard to see. How did he not go down after 10+ round of Dubois\u2019 heavy, clubbing blows.<\/p>\n Fabio Wardley swings and tries to connect with Daniel Dubois. Photograph: Dave Thompson\/APShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.37 EDT<\/p>\n \u201cThe best heavyweight fight I\u2019ve ever put on,\u201d says Frank Warren \u2013 and for once a boxing promoter may not be exaggerating.<\/p>\n \u201cFabio, he\u2019s not going away \u2013 he will be back. These are two brave, gutsy men. What an unbeliebable fight.\u201d<\/p>\n He mentions a rematch clause in the contract. Steady on, Frank. These boys deserve a long, long rest.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThat was a war, thank you Fabio,\u201d says a victorious Daniel Dubois. \u201cI know I\u2019ve got heart \u2013 I\u2019m a warrior \u2026 early it was just flash knockdowns. I had to get back to my boxing.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a battle, man. He\u2019s a durable guy, he\u2019s a warrior \u2013 it was an honour to be in the ring with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Dubois defeats Wardley by 11th-round knockout!<\/p>\n Two early thumping blows by Daniel Dubois has Fabio Wardley reeling once more \u2013 and Howard Foster finally steps in at the very start of the round. What a jaw-dropping fight. Dubois is the new WBO heavyweight champion.<\/p>\n I cannot believe that contest. It seems an age since Dubois as knocked down twice in the first three rounds. He produced a stunning turnaround but Wardley\u2019s astonishing courage is also the story of a brutal, remarkable bout.<\/p>\n Daniel Dubois lands a shot of Fabio Wardley. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge\/Action Images\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.45 EDT<\/p>\n \u201cSave the man, he\u2019s a father, he\u2019s got a family \u2013 pull the plug on this one now,\u201d implores Darren Barker between rounds. I agree. Fabio Wardley somehow goes on.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 10<\/p>\n Fabio Wardley tries to start the round but he\u2019s swaying, he\u2019s barely able to stand, before a punch is even thrown. Should the corner throw in the towel there? Should Howard Foster \u2013 his referee shirt soaked with blood \u2013 is having a good look but letting it go on. But it\u2019s getting hard to watch now.<\/p>\n Wardley, miraculously, is still throwing but a more measured Dubois is pressing and landing punches. \u201cI have never seen a tougher man, this is insane,\u201d says Carl Frampton who\u2019s calling for trainer Ben Davison to throw the towel in. I agree.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 9-10 Dubois (Wardley 93-96 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 9<\/p>\n Fabio Wardley\u2019s nose gets a medical inpsection right at the start of the round. I am no doctor, but it is a mess. He\u2019s allowed to fight on, showing spectacular bravery, but this may be his final throw of the dice. Wardly lands one good left hook and Dubois \u2013 who\u2019s thrown so many heavy punches \u2013 is breathing heavily but is still pressing forwards. \u201cOh Fabio Wardley,\u201d cry the crowd as he gamely keeps throwing punches.<\/p>\n Dubois ships a huge straight round from Wardley! Dubois fires back! A Wardley uppercut! Dubois lands a clubbing right hand that has Wardley reeling on the ropes. How do you even score that round? It was like a Rocky fight.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 10-10 Dubois (Wardley 84-86 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 8<\/p>\n Dubois cannot miss with the one-two through the guard. I say guard, but Wardley\u2019s fists are often down by his waist as Dubois motors forward, closing the distance with his feet. Wardley\u2019s right eye is closing along with the bloody nose. He\u2019s not slipping many. But Wardley is still looking to catch Dubois coming in. Wardley rolls backwards after another ramrod Dubois jab. What does Wardley have left? He\u2019s showing superhuman courage and durability in there.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 9-10 Dubois (Wardley 74-76 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 7<\/p>\n The blood is streaming down Wardley\u2019s face. He\u2019s greeted by a hammering right hand by Dubois to start the round. Dubois is boxing beautifully, throwing one-twos right though Wardley\u2019s guard. But Wardley is standing up to it somehow. His legs look wobbly but he\u2019s still swinging back. A thumping straight right hand lands flush on Wardley! Once more he eats it. Wow \u2013 now Fabio lands two tremendous uppercuts on Dubois! He takes them, but they were serious shots. They\u2019re both exchanging blows.<\/p>\n Howard Foster cannot hear the bell among the commotion, he jumps in slightly early to end the round prematurely. This is utter carnage.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 9-10 Dubois (Wardley 65-66 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 6<\/p>\n We get a pre-round replay of Don Charles, Dubois\u2019 trainer, slapping his charge between rounds earlier in the contest. We wouldn\u2019t suggest it as a standard workplace motivation tactic but it\u2019s had the desired impact \u2013 Dubois is sustaining his attacks on this round. Wardley is on the ropes, shipping right hands and a mean left hook to complement the jab.<\/p>\n Wardley\u2019s nose is bloodied and he\u2019s rocking at the end of the round! How is he still on his feet?! The pair exchange haymakers to end the round! Some chin of Wardley \u2013 what an astonishing fight.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 9-10 Dubois (Wardley 56-56 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 5<\/p>\n Dubois lands a jab that snaps Wardley\u2019s head back. Wardley\u2019s own jab is having success; measuring the distance for his right hand even if it isn\u2019t as powerful as Daniel\u2019s. Dubois is on the offensive in this round though, pressing the action. Wardley\u2019s gumshield falls out with 33 seconds left in the round after another jolting jab and the referee replaces it. Dubois goes straight in with a left hook to the body! The momentum has really switched (for now) with Dubois coming on strong.<\/p>\n Darren Barker acutely points out that Dubois is so much better with his footwork \u2026 when he is on his feet, of course.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 9-10 Dubois (Wardley 47-46 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 4<\/p>\n An early clash of heads earns a stern rebuke from Howard Foster. Dubois lands a clubbing right hand that stiffens Wardley\u2019s legs in the second minute! He\u2019s boxing well in this round \u2013 both men look wide open to each others\u2019 blows. They\u2019re really committing with their punches. Yet Wardley is so far taking the heavy blows better. This is an absolute slugfest and no mistake.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 9-10 Dubois (Wardley 38-36 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 3<\/p>\n Dubois goes down again! Halfway through round three, Wardley lands another thumping right hand to the top of the head \u2013 Dubois skittles backwards on shaky legs then collapses. He\u2019s up again but he looks wide open for the champion\u2019s punches. Dubois gets up again and, once more, manages to return fire, landing one blow which definitely catches Wardley and he knows about it. Dubois makes it through the round; Don Charles in his corner pleads with his charge to use his jab.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 10-8 Dubois (Wardley 29-26 Dubois)<\/p>\n Daniel Dubois on the canvas. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge\/Action Images\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.02 EDT<\/p>\n Round 2<\/p>\n Dubois does what he should have done in round one and looks to get his jab going and lands a few stiff ones. He fires in some accurate shots, moves a bit better, and a stalking Wardley is unable to capitalise on his round-one success. This is predictably tense and breathless stuff.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 9-10 Dubois (Wardley 19-18 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Round 1<\/p>\n What an opener! Dubois is knocked down after 10 seconds. A Wardley roundhouse right clips the top of Dubois\u2019 head and he\u2019s sat on the canvas. He actually gets up and looks \u2013 relatively \u2013 unshaken, firing back. They both collapse in a heap halfway through the round as they grappled in a clinch.<\/p>\n Wardley looked sharp with his punches throughout though, Dubois is up against it already, though he did well to survive round one.<\/p>\n Guardian\u2019s unofficial score: Wardley 10-8 Dubois (Wardley 10-8 Dubois)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.04 EDT<\/p>\n Daniel Dubois is down inside the first 15 seconds!<\/p>\n Share<\/a>The opening bell<\/p>\n The ring announcements are made. Both have their game faces on. Howard Foster reads the instructions and they touch glovs \u2026 ding-ding!<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fabio Wardley prowls the stage, a mean look on his mug. It\u2019s a boxer\u2019s nose, isn\u2019t it? Not that I\u2019d say that to his face. His tune of ring-walk choice is some ominous British hip-hop, which I don\u2019t know because I\u2019m seriously out of touch. Quite catchy though.<\/p>\n The WBO champ raises a fist to the fans before he steps through the ropes and into the ring.<\/p>\n Update: Tony \u2018cooler than me\u2019 Garvey emails to say it\u2019s \u201cCan\u2019t Be Touched (feat. Trouble Tha Truth & 2piece) by Body Head Bangerz\u201d. Thanks, Tom \u2013 a banger, indeed.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.57 EDT<\/p>\n Daniel Dubois, as the challenger, emerges first. His face never never gives a lot away. \u201cWhat a Man\u201d by Linda Lyndell blares out, followed by some reggae beats. Nice.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Sweet Caroline is blaring. So good, so good, so good? You decide. Daniel Dubois is strolling out of his dressing room and his ring-walk will begin any minute now.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Moses Itauma, the 21-year-old heavyweight star prospect, is ringside. \u201cIt\u2019s not about me tonight, it\u2019s about Fabio Wardley tonight \u2013 he\u2019s going to get the W,\u201d says Itauma. \u201cThis fight isn\u2019t going to go the distance either.\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019s Wardley\u2019s gym-mate so hardly a surprising prediction. With the victor owning the WBO title, he\u2019ll have that man in his sights.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.46 EDT<\/p>\n Noel Gallagher is ringside, bet he didn\u2019t pay dynamic pricing for that prime ticket. The DJ at a packed Co-op Live in Manchester puts on Live Forever \u2013 that\u2019s either expert timing or a perfect coincidence.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll be getting the heavyweight ring-walks at any moment.<\/p>\n Noel Gallagher at the Co-op Live. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge\/Action Images\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.55 EDT<\/p>\n Question: if we assume that Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua are diminished from their devastating peaks, are Wardley and Dubois the most dangerous punchers in the heavyweight division? And therefore the heaviest hitters in the sport?<\/p>\n There\u2019s an argument for it. (I say, immediately ensuring a 12-round hugfest with no knockdowns.)<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Rafferty defeats Essuman by sixth-round retirement!<\/p>\n The unbeaten welterweight Jack Rafferty defeats former British champion Ekow Essuman in a one-sided bout.<\/p>\n Essuman\u2019s corner called the stoppage, throwing in the towel after six rounds \u2013 their man was badly cut and shipping a lot of punishment. A well-timed move from the corner, it was one-way traffic and Rafferty produced a career-best display. The local lad looks perfectly delighted in pink post-fight.<\/p>\n That\u2019s the final undercard bout! The main event is next \u2026<\/p>\n Jack Rafferty goes on the attack against Ekow Essuman. Photograph: Richard Sellers\/PAJack Rafferty is pleased with his display. Photograph: Matt McNulty\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.43 EDT<\/p>\n Prediction time! The only big favourite in Wardley-Dubois is that it doesn\u2019t reach the final bell: the bookies can hardly split the pair.<\/p>\n For what it\u2019s worth, I reckon the 31-year-old Wardley, who has this uncanny ability to ride punches and get stronger as a fight goes on, has an edge. Dubois doesn\u2019t have a poor chin, the 28-year-old just hasn\u2019t always shown the incredible mental fortitude of his foe.<\/p>\n That said, Dubois is simply the better boxer \u2013 which, in [checks notes] a boxing match, is something of an advantage. If he can control things with his crisp jab and stick to a gameplan, he could have Wardley in all sorts of bother.<\/p>\n Plus there will be a hold-your-breath moment of what happens when each man first connects flush with the other. I\u2019m covering every base here.<\/p>\n Share<\/a> After a while it\u2019s easy to get jaded when boxing is such a messy old business \u2026 and then, just when you\u2019re least expecting it, you get to watch a stunning couple of rounds and you see a brutal kind of joy. Zak Chelli\u2019s KO of David Morrell was as shocking as it was compelling. I went for a little walk after the fight and, at the back of the arena, away from the crowd, Chelli walked past. His face was a picture of rapture as he exclaimed that he had just done what even David Benavidez could not manage.<\/p>\n Last year, Morrell suffered the only previous loss of his career when the imposing Benavidez beat him on points. Morrell also knocked down Benavidez, one of the most feared fighters on the planet. But giving hope to supply teachers everywhere, and the rest of us, Chelli produced an astonishing stoppage. It was a reminder of how boxing can transform fighters\u2019 lives in the most positive ways \u2013 but Chelli managed to keep some kind of perspective when confirming that he will be back at school in Fulham on Monday morning. His life, however, has changed after this searing stoppage.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois has arrived late at the Co-op Live. Last July, when he was crushed by Oleksandr Usyk in five rounds<\/a>, Dubois\u2019 arrival was preceded by a party he and his father held at the family home. It was a disastrous slice of lunacy and Dubois was given a pitiless lesson in the realities of heavyweight boxing by the majestic Usyk. But tonight the latest Dubois delay is being blamed less on partying than the clogged old Manchester traffic \u2026<\/p>\n Zak Chelli\u2019s life has changed after a searing stoppage. Photograph: Richard Sellers\/PAShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.49 EDT<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be Britain\u2019s answer to Hagler-Hearns,\u201d promises Frank Warren of Wardley-Dubois \u2013 admittedly, as promoter of both heavyweights, a somewhat biased source.<\/p>\n An eight-minute war for our times? I wouldn\u2019t say no, though a few more rounds would be welcome. (I\u2019ve just basically dismissed the greatest short fight in boxing history, there \u2013 what sacred cow is next?)<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Rea defeats Cameron by fourth-round knockout!<\/p>\n Brad Rea gets back to winning ways with a tasty stoppage of the popular Liam Cameron. The hometown light-heavyweight ends a one-sided contest in style for probably the biggest victory of his career.<\/p>\n Cameron showed plenty of heart getting up after he was clubbed to the canvas in round four. But Rea was all over him, putting his punches together well to force another knockdown and the referee to wisely step in. An impressive finish by the \u201cSting\u201d Rae.<\/p>\n Liam Cameron is put down by Brad Rea Updated at\u00a017.25 EDT<\/p>\n Donald McRae sat down with the articulate Fabio Wardley pre-fight \u2013 and the interview is as engaging as you\u2019d expect, covering everything from Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua to the dangers of PEDs in boxing. Get involved.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cA real Rocky moment for Zak Chelli,\u201d reckons Carl Frampton. It certainly was \u2013 the full-time supply teacher\/boxer will be the talk of his school on Monday morning.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Chelli defeats Morrell by 10th-round knockout!<\/p>\n Wow! We\u2019ve had a stunning stoppage victory already in Manchester \u2013 and it isn\u2019t the main event. Fulham\u2019s Zak Chelli, a supply teacher by trade, has produced a sensational upset to defeat the Cuban former world champion David Morrell.<\/p>\n That is a result few saw coming. Morrell was winning the light-heavyweight contest after eight rounds but Chelli rocked him with a huge right hand in round nine. Chelli was all over him but Morrell saw it through to the bell \u2013 only to have the underdog leap into action at the start of the final round and bludgeon the favourite to defeat in the corner. Remarkable.<\/p>\n Zak Chelli knocks out David Morrell in the 10th and final round. Photograph: Matt McNulty\/Getty ImagesZak Chelli celebrates his come-from-behind victory. Photograph: Matt McNulty\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.16 EDT<\/p>\n The Co-op Live arena is right next door to the Etihad Stadium. I walked past Manchester City\u2019s home ground, with the crowd roaring in the final few minutes of their game against Brentford, and it felt a relief that the boxing tonight is inside. It\u2019s pretty cold in Manchester this evening but that didn\u2019t stop a few of the City security guards jumping around in glee when a very late goal made it 3-0<\/a>. But attention is now firmly back on the boxing and the Co-op already feels crammed with a sold-out crowd.<\/p>\n It\u2019s the least that Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois deserve for a fight that could be one of the most explosive and compelling heavyweight contests of the year. There is also a decent undercard and the celebs are drifting in slowly. Luke Littler has arrived but I was more interested to see Moses Itauma at ringside. I interviewed him a couple of months ago in Manchester. It was initially a bit of a challenge to get him to open up but, eventually, we got somewhere<\/a>.<\/p>\n I think Itauma is the most interesting heavyweight at the moment \u2013 just as I think this fight between Wardley and Dubois is far more intriguing than the Fury v Joshua extravaganza later this year. That overblown scrap is about six or seven years too late. Tonight should be a tad more timely \u2013 and Itauma is backing his gym-mate, Wardley, to stop Dubois. We shall see \u2026<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Preview time: Donald McRae has set the scene as only he can. The undercard is under way but I encourage you to give this a read before the main event. Don will be providing us updates from ringside in Manchester.<\/p>\n double quotation markDaniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley are very different characters but, in the ring, they share a knockout ratio of 95% in the combined 42 fights they have won. The unbeaten Wardley has knocked out 19 opponents in his 20 victories while Dubois has stopped 21 of 22 vanquished rivals. It\u2019s an impressive statistic which belies the vulnerability at the heart of each man.<\/p>\n Wardley, the WBO world heavyweight champion, comes from a white-collar boxing background with minimal experience as an amateur. The only blemish on his record is a draw in March 2024 with the Olympic medallist Frazer Clarke<\/a> \u2013 whom he then knocked out<\/a> with shocking brutality in the first round seven months later.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a016.05 EDT<\/p>\n Preamble<\/p>\n This blockbuster all-British heavyweight showdown is taglined \u201cDon\u2019t Blink\u201d \u2013 and not because the promoter Frank Warren fears viewers might start to nod off when their eyelids droop. Rather the message is that Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, who have 40 knockouts in their combined 42 professional wins, both have the power to demolish one another at any moment.<\/p>\n For all their obvious similarities as 6ft 5in punchers with leaky defences, there are striking differences too. Ipswich\u2019s Wardley, the WBO champ after the belt was stripped from Oleksandr Usyk, is boxing\u2019s latest Cinderella story<\/a>. A former recruitment specialist who turned pro with zero official amateur fights, Wardley\u2019s iron will, chin and gift for self-improvement have taken him to an unbeaten 20-0-1 (19 KOs) record and to unforeseen heights.<\/p>\n Dubois\u2019 amateur career was short but highly promising and he, unlike Wardley, can look a superbly balanced boxer with a dynamite jab to complement his thunderous right hand. Just ask Anthony Joshua about both<\/a>. Yet the Londoner\u2019s mentality and versatility have been questioned in the losses to Joe Joyce and Usyk (twice) that blemish his 22-3 (21 KOs) record.<\/p>\n Those defeats came against excellent amateurs, however \u2013 and in Usyk\u2019s case an all-time great pro. He\u2019s never lost to a fighter as awkward but rudimentary as Wardley. Fabio, of course, has never lost at all.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a delicious setup for what should be a barnburner in Manchester\u2019s catchily titled Co-op Live arena. We\u2019re expecting the first bell between 10.30pm and 11pm (BST), though likely closer to the latter. Do stay with us!<\/p>\nDonald McRae<\/p>\n
Boxing. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge\/Action Images\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\nDonald McRae<\/p>\n