Daniel Dubois strengthened his status among the heavyweight elite with a devastating performance against Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena. The 29-year-old world champion needed just two rounds to stop his British rival, securing a far more decisive victory than their initial thriller in May. Dubois has now earned 13 of his 24 career victories inside the opening two rounds, setting the stage for major unification bouts next year.
Following the bout, IBF champion Filip Hrgovic entered the ring to challenge Dubois to a rematch. Dubois previously stopped the Croatian in June 2024, but Hrgovic has since rebuilt his position, capturing the vacant IBF belt by defeating British prospect Moses Itauma in August. However, an immediate clash with Dubois faces hurdles, as 34-year-old Hrgovic must first deal with mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez of Cuba. Promoter Frank Warren is aiming to stage Hrgovic’s initial title defense in Croatia early next year. Particularly if the first encounter is close or controversial, but a one-sided defeat could push the loser towards retirement, a rematch would offer another enormous payday.
Despite the mandatory obligations, Warren confirmed that unification remains the main objective for Dubois in the coming year. A lucrative opportunity could involve facing the winner of the upcoming clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. “All those names are there to do a unification fight next year and that’s what we’ll be working on,” Warren stated. AJ reassures fans that Fury fight will happen. But bringing the champions together before mandatory obligations, rematches and boxing politics get in the way could prove the greatest challenge, there is no shortage of potential big fights.
For Wardley, Saturday’s defeat highlighted a clear technical gap against top-tier opposition, despite his proved world-level toughness. A step down in competition could help rebuild his confidence, though questions persist over his capacity to make the tactical adjustments needed to re-enter world contention.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited showdown between Fury and Joshua is scheduled for Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, kicking off on 11 December with the main event expected in the early hours of 12 December. The Netflix-streamed spectacle proved its immense commercial draw by selling out 80,000 tickets within an hour. Both fighters are set to earn nearly $100m (£75m), with the vacant WBA ‘super’ title on the line, potentially setting up further unifications in 2027.
The sanctioning details for Fury vs Joshua have drawn scrutiny from WBA ‘regular’ champion Murat Gassiev, who questioned the WBA ‘super’ title decision and demanded to face the winner. Given the massive financial returns, an immediate rematch between Fury and Joshua appears far more likely, while a heavy loss could force the defeated fighter toward retirement.
Elsewhere in the division, Germany’s unbeaten WBC champion Agit Kabayel presents another prospective unification opponent for Dubois in 2027. The 34-year-old, who gained the title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated, has compiled an impressive resume by stopping Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez, and Zhilei Zhang. Kabayel is set to make his first defense against Albania’s Nelson Hysa on 28 November as he seeks to build his global profile. A unification fight against Dubois in 2027 could provide the opportunity to become a much bigger name in the sport.
Pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk continues to navigate the final chapter of his career on his own terms after vacating his WBA, WBC, and IBF titles in June. Following his 11th-round stoppage victory over former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in May—where the referee called the fight with just one second remaining in the round—Usyk has signalled he wants one final fight before retiring.
Verhoeven, who exceeded expectations in his boxing outing, is actively pushing for a rematch. The Dutchman revealed he accepted an offer to fight Deontay Wilder on the Fury-Joshua undercard. However, Wilder has not signed and is also considering a bout against cruiserweight Jai Opetaia. While Wilder was previously considered for Usyk’s farewell fight, discussions have stalled, and a third fight between Usyk and Fury remains a theoretical option.
Among rising heavyweights, 21-year-old Moses Itauma is preparing to rebuild after his first career loss to Hrgovic, having previously stopped 12 of his 14 opponents. Scheduled to return to the ring in January, Itauma will face credible opposition as promoter Warren focuses on developing his stamina, pacing, and 12-round tactical patience. While a future rematch with Hrgovic remains a target, team management sees no rush given his age.
On the international circuit, New Zealand’s Joseph Parker is seeking a comeback fight after his provisional doping suspension was lifted in August. American Jarrell Miller stays highly ranked, while Jared Anderson and Olympic silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr continue rebuilding. Australia’s Teremoana Teremoana holds a 12-fight knockout streak within two rounds, and Uzbekistan’s two-time Olympic champion Bakhodir Jalolov preserved his unbeaten record by defeating Solomon Dacres on Saturday.
On the British domestic scene, 42-year-old Derek Chisora is planning another return and targets a December bout against WBA ‘regular’ champion Gassiev. Richard Riakporhe is pushing for world titles after moving up from cruiserweight, while former cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie aims to return after resolving an adverse drug test finding with the WBC. They are joined by domestic contenders David Adeleye, Dave Allen, Johnny Fisher, and Frazer Clarke, alongside emerging talents Leo Atang, 19, and Ireland’s Adam Olaniyan, 20.
