British Heavyweights Hit Career-Heavy Weights Ahead of London Rematch

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley both weighed in at their heaviest career weights for Saturday's heavyweight world-title rematch in London. WBO champion Dubois tipped the scales at 18st 2lb, while Wardley came in at 17st 10lb before their meeting at the O2 Arena.

Weigh-In Details

The final pre-fight formalities took place at Old Spitalfields Market in east London. A couple of hundred fans gathered beneath the market's roof to watch the scale readings. Wardley arrived more than an hour early and posed for selfies with supporters. Dubois arrived much later and kept his words brief. There was no drama at the face-off, and Dubois quickly left the stage afterwards.

Past Encounter

The pair produced a fight-of-the-year contender in Manchester in May. Wardley floored Dubois twice in the first and third rounds before Dubois rallied to stop his bloodied and battered opponent in the 11th round. Wardley said he draws confidence from those early knockdowns and wants to put on a cleaner performance. Dubois noted that he now knows his opponent and what to expect.

Records And Future

Dubois has won 23 of his 26 professional fights with 22 knockouts. Wardley has 20 wins with 19 by knockout, alongside one defeat and one draw. Promoter Frank Warren is predicting a blockbuster 2027 for the division, noting that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will meet in Cardiff on 11 December. Warren confirmed there is no clause for a third fight between Dubois and Wardley, but refused to rule out a trilogy if the Ipswich fighter wins.

Context

Heavyweight boxing rematches often carry high stakes when the first encounter ends in a dramatic late-round stoppage. Promoters frequently look ahead to lucrative bouts and major division timelines following high-profile championship fights.