Boxing
Fabio Wardley-Daniel Dubois: What next for both men after heavyweight heroics?
Allen vs. Hrgovic on DAZN subscription - Saturday
Daniel Dubois earned his stripes once again as he dethroned Fabio Wardley to become world heavyweight champion for a second time on Saturday.
'Dynamite' bounced back from last year's brutal Oleksandr Usyk loss with a career-revival performance despite hitting the canvas twice in Manchester.
The star's amateur pedigree helped him outlast a battered and bruised Wardley, who more than played his part in a gripping affair at the Co-op Live.
Now, with the WBO belt exchanged between the pair, each star faces a serious discussion about their next moves after such a blood-soaked encounter.
DAZN FACE OFF: Usyk vs. Verhoeven
Watch dramatic clash here
So what comes next for both men after Dubois returned to the summit? DAZN News outlines the options that face each fighter and what they may do.
Daniel Dubois
For 'Dynamite', victory over Wardley has done more than earn him two-time champion status - it has banished the "quitter" tags he has so often faced.
Rising off the deck not once but twice to deliver one of his most complete performances, Dubois has earned himself a comfortable rest as champion.
His next move however will court plenty of intrigue. Moses Itauma, as the WBO's top-ranked challenger, is theoretically the next cab off the rank.
The possibility of an undisputed trilogy bout with Usyk remains lucrative too, while a Wardley rematch could play ganbusters. Time, for now, will wait.
Fabio Wardley
Having been handed his first professional loss and suffered plenty for the privilege, the Ipswich man will also need to take some time to consider things.
Now a father, Wardley has been open about acknowledging when he feels he has reached his limitations, with plenty of soul-searching likely ongoing.
Still, if he opts to return, then perhaps the star will feel he can still get the job done against Dubois, with a rematch clause reportedly in his contract too.
Should he choose not to activate it, the star will likely seek another lower-ranked opponent and begin the climb back towards the division's summit next.
Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven only on DAZN
Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
