Daniel Dubois Interview: Family, Wardley Win and What’s Next
Update, October 22, 2026: Daniel Dubois remains WBO heavyweight champion. He stopped Fabio Wardley in Round 2 of their October 17 rematch at The O2 in London, retaining the title. The interview below was recorded after Dubois won the belt from Wardley in their May 9 fight.
Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois returned to a place associated with his amateur development for an interview about his family, the Wardley fight, and his career. He also spoke about supporting his younger brother, Solomon, who was competing in the national amateur boxing tournament. The conversation offered a personal look at the newly crowned WBO champion after his May 9 title win.
A Champion Who Hasn’t Forgotten Where He Came From
During his visit, Dubois made it clear that success hasn’t pulled him away from the people who matter most. He was at the EIS to support his younger brother, who is competing in the nationals. Dubois spoke with unmistakable pride, expressing full confidence in his brother’s potential and encouraging him to keep developing in amateur boxing.
Proving the Doubters Wrong — Again
Reflecting on his recent world title victory, Dubois didn’t shy away from the emotional weight behind it. The win wasn’t just for him — it was for his father, his team, and everyone who stood by him through setbacks and scrutiny. He emphasized the satisfaction of silencing critics once more, framing the triumph as a collective achievement built on loyalty and belief.
The Rematch Clause and What Comes Next
When asked about the rematch clause with Fabio Wardley, Dubois acknowledged it. The clause led to a rematch on October 17, 2026, which Dubois won by second-round stoppage to retain the WBO heavyweight title.
He also addressed the recent public back-and-forth involving Don Charles and Tony Bellew, noting that he’s aware of the noise but will address those issues on his own terms and timeline.
A Brutal Fight, a Champion’s Reward
Dubois described his last bout as “draining” — a punishing test of endurance that demanded everything he had. But the reward was worth it. He admitted, with a rare grin, that he slept with the championship belt for a few nights after the win. For a fighter who has clawed his way back to the top, the moment was more than symbolic — it was personal.
Thoughts on Usyk vs. Rico
Dubois also discussed the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven bout, which took place at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23, 2026. Usyk stopped Verhoeven in Round 11 to retain the WBC heavyweight title. Dubois called it a good fight and praised the stoppage. His assessment was measured, respectful, and rooted in the perspective of someone who has shared the ring with Usyk and understands the stakes at the highest level.
A Champion Focused, Grounded, and Far From Finished
This interview showed a version of Daniel Dubois that fans rarely get to see — reflective, grounded, and deeply connected to his roots. He may be the heavyweight champion of the world, but he’s still the same fighter who walked into the EIS years ago with big dreams and a point to prove.
Dubois now heads into the next stage of his career as WBO champion after two wins over Wardley in 2026. His next opponent had not been officially announced as of October 22.
Sources
- Interview footage (user-provided video reference)
Article Tags
Daniel Dubois, Heavyweight Boxing, Boxing Interviews, Fabio Wardley, Don Charles, Tony Bellew, Oleksandr Usyk, Boxing News, EIS Sheffield, Combat Sports
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
