Daniel Dubois Stops Fabio Wardley, Calls for Usyk Trilogy

Dubois Dominates Wardley, Eyes Usyk Trilogy

Daniel Dubois knocked Fabio Wardley down just 17 seconds into their rematch at the O2 Arena, stopping him in round two. Referee Steve Gray waved off the fight after Wardley took heavy punishment, immediately placing Dubois at the top of the heavyweight conversation. Dubois told reporters, "We're coming out on top this time," and has already called for a trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk vacated his WBC, WBA, and IBF belts shortly after stopping kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May. Promoter Frank Warren expressed his desire to "get him back into the equation." Meanwhile, Filip Hrgovic, who holds the IBF belt, is being pushed by his manager toward a mandatory defense against Frank Sanchez before any Dubois rematch, despite Hrgovic's immediate interest in fighting Dubois.

Warren had initially wanted Wardley to wait until next year for a rematch, but Wardley's camp triggered the contractual rematch clause right away. The decision ultimately did not pay off for Wardley.

Canelo Alvarez's Riyadh Fight Raises Safety Concerns

Canelo Alvarez is expected to face Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title in Riyadh on October 31. This bout offers Canelo a chance to reclaim a version of the crown he once held at 168 pounds. Mbilli was upgraded from interim to full champion after Canelo lost his undisputed titles to Terence Crawford in 2025 and subsequently retired.

Significant safety concerns surround the event, as the Houthi group Ansar Allah has been bombing airports and oil fields around Riyadh, leading to the cancellation of the Six Kings Slam tennis event. Trainer Robert Garcia, who has a fighter on the undercard, reported that Canelo will fly private with security, but his own team will not. Oscar De La Hoya has publicly labeled the situation an "enormous safety concern."

Terence Crawford, speaking on the DAZN broadcast, stated, "I can't see him beating Canelo in a boxing match," though he believes Mbilli's best chance lies in roughing Canelo up.

Liam Smith Charged With Grievous Bodily Harm

Former WBO light middleweight champion Liam Smith appeared at Manchester Crown Court, charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Judge Tom Gilbart noted that CCTV footage shows Smith delivering "two strikes to the head of somebody lying on the floor who's unable to stand." The alleged victim, concierge worker Laurent Nke, was hospitalized.

The case has been adjourned to November 28, with a provisional trial date set for the week of March 15, 2028. Smith had reportedly pulled out of a planned comeback fight in Finland in September due to a calf injury.

Navarrete and Foster Set for Unification Bout

A major unification fight is scheduled for October 24 in San Antonio, where Emanuel Navarrete and O'Shaquie Foster will meet at the Frost Bank Center. The bout, broadcast live on DAZN, will contest the IBF, WBC, and WBO super featherweight titles. Navarrete enters the fight on a two-fight knockout streak, while Foster defends the WBC belt following his majority decision victory over Raymond Ford.

Fundora Defends Title in Las Vegas

Sebastian Fundora, the WBC junior middleweight champion, successfully defended his title in Las Vegas. He stopped mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj with a buzzer-beating finish. Terence Crawford, working the DAZN broadcast, commented that Fundora "did what he had to do" but criticized his lack of a right hook, a skill Crawford believes Fundora will need against opponents like Jaron Ennis.

Gomez Jr. Fights to Controversial Draw

Michael Gomez Jr. fought Louie O'Doherty to a draw on Saturday. Despite Gomez Jr. appearing busier and landing more eye-catching shots, many observers were stunned that he did not receive the decision.

Zuffa Boxing Adds Bruno Surace

Zuffa Boxing has announced the signing of French super middleweight Bruno Surace, known for his two bouts with Jaime Munguia. This signing follows the promotion's earlier acquisition of WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, who holds a record of 25-1 with one draw. Details regarding Surace's first fight under the Zuffa Boxing banner have not yet been announced.

PanAmerican Elite Continental Championships Underway

The PanAmerican Elite Continental Championships have commenced in Puebla, Mexico. Opening day saw victories for Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and the host nation Mexico across 21 bouts. USA's Joseph Awinongya Jr. achieved the fastest finish of the day, stopping Costa Rica's Jaisen Steve Robinson Kohn in just 42 seconds. All bouts from the competition will be streamed on World Boxing TV.