Five potential foes for Dubois to tussle with next.
It was on Saturday that Daniel Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley in a hellacious battle for the WBO heavyweight championship of the world.
The clash was very highly anticipated and expected to deliver, yet it proved to be such an enthralling display that even those who knew it would be good didn’t truly know how good it would be.
Dubois overcame two knockdowns to halt Wardley in the penultimate frame and pry the title from his steely grasp, becoming a two-time world champion in the process.
Of course, every boxing-related individual just wants to know what is next, so here are five potential opponents for Daniel Dubois to make his first WBO title defence against.
5. Richard Riakporhe.
Yet another British banger, Richard ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe (20-1, 16 KOs) has held the Lord Lonsdale Belt at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Unsuccessfully challenging WBO 200-pound champion Chris Billam-Smith in 2024, Riakporhe has since moved up a division and has looked monstrous in his destruction.
Laying waste to Jeamie TKV in his last fight, a face-off with Dubois would truly test his world-level credentials. And with Riakporhe being 36, he could do with a big opportunity sometime soon.
However, he isn’t the most proven player in the division. Therefore, while he’s a good option, he might not be the best option for many.
4. Filip Hrgovic.
A rematch of their first encounter, Filip ‘El Animal’ Hrgovic (19-1, 14 KOs) was previously stopped by Dubois, a victory which would eventually lead to the Englishman becoming IBF champion.
Since that night, Hrgovic has beaten Joe Joyce and David Adeleye. And if he defeats Dave Allen (as he is expected to do) this Saturday, he will make a stronger case for his right to running it back.
Hrgovic has stated his desire to rematch Dubois. Whether it happens or not, the Croatian is certainly a decent choice of opponent.
3. Zhilei Zhang.
It says a lot about Zhilei ‘Big Bang’ Zhang (27-3-1, 22 KOs) that even at 43 years old and with his most recent action in the ring being a knockout loss over a year ago, he is being considered here.
That’s because Zhang is a 6’6″ southpaw with an 80-inch reach who has knocked over every man he’s faced, even in defeat. Such a fighter will always be an exciting proposition in any potential matchup.
This is a fight that was rumoured before Wardley vs. Dubois was announced, and it could surely only be absolute brutality for as long as it lasts.
Two big punchers throwing down will never be a dull thing, as we found out on Saturday night. In terms of pure action, Zhang is just about as guaranteed to deliver as anyone.
2. Moses Itauma.
There is no 21-year-old in boxing who has a reputation quite like Moses Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs). Despite his limited screentime, the young Briton has made an almighty impression.
For as long as we’ve seen him, he’s really resembled the full package. And being the mandatory for the WBO, he has more of a right than practically anyone to face Dubois next.
This may be the most intriguing entry on this list, as we don’t really know the true scope of Itauma’s ability. He is scheduled to fight in August, and he would ideally need one or two more fights before he appears in a fight like this.
1. Fabio Wardley.
Ah, what the hell? Let’s do it again. If it isn’t Itauma, Fabio Wardley (20-1-1, 19 KOs) is likely the only opponent the majority of fans will settle for next. And if we’re being honest, there is not a single soul from here to Alpha Centauri who wouldn’t want to see these two duke it out for a second time.
The drama, courage, and action that was on display the other night? Fans would empty their bank accounts to see just 50% of that once more. Those are the facts.
The two most definitely need a break following their terrific back-and-forth, but as soon as both men are able to come back, they should expect to be seeing each other again.
With a rematch clause in place, this is the most likely option. What have both men lost as a result of their recent meeting? Could they possibly live up to such a fight in a sequel?
It can’t be said for sure, and that is what makes it so, so interesting.
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