Fabio Wardley’s bid to avenge his defeat to Daniel Dubois and regain the WBO heavyweight title ended unsuccessfully last weekend.
There have been calls for the Ipswich fighter to retire, with former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion David Haye warning that continuing could be detrimental to Wardley’s health.
Wardley was promoted to full WBO heavyweight champion in late 2025 and faced Dubois in his first title defence. He twice dropped “Triple D” during the opening three rounds, but Dubois secured a technical knockout in the 11th round in a contest widely regarded as a fight of the year.
The rematch last Saturday provided a stark contrast. Dubois dominated from the outset and stopped Wardley inside two rounds, effectively ending any hope of an upset.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Haye said Wardley’s lack of experience had become apparent, claiming that the 31-year-old had “missed too many lessons” during his career.
“Wardley made no adjustments in regards to the fight that he was in and he is going to really struggle staying at this level.
“I really like Wardley, he has amazing ability in regards to toughness, you can’t touch his toughness. But, the unfortunate part is that he has missed too many lessons earlier on in his career. The feet, the balance, he is so far on his front leg.”
Haye acknowledged that Wardley could continue to deliver “great fights,” while warning that his future in the sport would “not be good for his health.”
“He could continue and we’d have some great fights, but it is not going to be good for his health.”
Dubois is expected to return to the ring as soon as February, while some observers have advised Wardley to take an extended break if he chooses to continue competing.
