Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley produced a potential Fight of the Year contender on Saturday, and former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno has shared his reaction to the brutal battle.
Originally promoted as ‘Don’t Blink,’ the bout exceeded expectations as fans witnessed 11 rounds of gripping action. Dubois rose from two knockdowns to stop Wardley and claim the heavyweight title for a second time.
Worldwide praise has poured in for both men, with Wardley earning admiration for his grit and determination, even in defeat. The loss cost him his WBO crown and marked the first blemish on his professional record.
On X, Bruno lauded the British duo but expressed concern that the contest should have been halted earlier, suggesting Wardley took unnecessary punishment in the closing rounds.
“Afternoon, my office reminded me of predictions I made about Daniel in 2019 (I’ll let you look them up!). Well last night’s fight – it was an epic war. I’m not sure I have seen such a, well words escape me, heroic, magnificent, glorious, legendary, fight in years. I did feel the fight should have been stopped possibly earlier, but what a fight. I am glad Daniel listened to all my advice over the years, hehe! His dad I met many years ago when we both used to go roller skating who told me about his amazing Son who one day would be a World Champion boxer. I laughed when I saw his Dad still giving fatherly advice in no uncertain terms!”
Both fighters are likely to take a well-earned rest, but talk has already turned to Dubois’s first defense. Names like Moses Itauma have been floated. Should the rising contender chase a different belt, the new champion could target top-10 names such as Deontay Wilder or a rematch with Filip Hrgovic, provided Hrgovic defeats Dave Allen this weekend.
