MANCHESTER, England — Daniel Dubois became a two-time heavyweight world champion Saturday, beating Fabio Wardley with a Round 11 knockout to finish what was a brutal, pulsating clash.

The fight started in the worst possible way for Dubois (23-3, 22 KOs) after he was knocked to the canvas by a big Wardley right hand in the opening seconds.

Wardley looked to seize his moment, scoring another knockdown in Round 3, and had Dubois on shaky legs.

However, Dubois recovered well from his poor start to show his experience.

He moved to work behind the stiff left jab that caused Anthony Joshua so many issues in their 2024 bout, which Dubois also won by knockout.

– Daniel Dubois knocks out Fabio Wardley in Round 11, becomes two-time heavyweight champion

– Wardley, Daniel Dubois show egos can be parked to make a big fight