Fabio Wardley, The Ring’s No. 1-rated heavyweight, heads into 2026 riding the momentum of a breakthrough year that firmly established him among boxing’s elite. The 31-year-old produced one of the standout moments of 2025 with a dramatic 10th-round comeback knockout over Justis Huni in June. He followed that with arguably the best performance of his career — a thrilling 11th-round TKO win against former world champion Joseph Parker.
With a record of 20 wins, no losses and one draw, including 17 knockouts, Wardley was named a finalist for The Ring’s Fighter of the Year award. His victory over Parker was also considered for Upset of the Year.
After the Parker bout, the WBO ordered undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk — The Ring’s champion and pound-for-pound No. 1 boxer — to defend his title against Wardley. However, when Usyk vacated the belt, Wardley was elevated from interim champion to full titleholder.
Wardley’s first title defence is set to be an all-British clash against former champion Daniel Dubois. Dubois, ranked No. 3 by The Ring, is coming off a second defeat to Usyk, which ended in a fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium in June.
The 28-year-old had entered that fight as IBF champion after Usyk vacated the title under similar circumstances. Dubois’ biggest career highlight came in September 2024 when he stunned Anthony Joshua with a fifth-round TKO victory at Wembley.
Dubois, who holds a record of 22 wins and three losses with 21 knockouts, also has stoppage wins over top contenders Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
DAZN News first reported that the Wardley-Dubois showdown is scheduled for May 9.
