Fabio Wardley Immediately Suspended From Boxing After Daniel Dubois Defeat

Fabio Wardley faces an immediate medical suspension from fighting following his brutal second-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in their heavyweight world title rematch on Saturday, the 17th of October, at the O2 Arena in London, England.

Wardley, 31, once held the WBO heavyweight championship but surrendered it to Dubois on May 9. In that fight, Wardley twice dropped Dubois early only to succumb to an 11th round finish himself. Over the weekend, it was Dubois who got the early knockdown, and he never let Wardley back into the match, forcing Fabio’s corner to throw in the white towel in the second round.

After his disastrous loss, Wardley faces a medical suspension — a routine part of boxing, designed to give fighters enough time to recover before they return to the ring. They’re there to protect fighters who may have suffered a concussion, cuts, fractures or other injuries during a contest.

Wardley, Dubois Receive Medical Suspensions

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Under BBBofC rules, a boxer who is stopped, retired or counted out can have their licence suspended for 28 or 45 days, depending on the circumstances. A ringside medical officer can also impose a longer suspension if there are concerns about the fighter’s health. That means the stoppage defeat Wardley suffered could result in several weeks away from the ring.

The restrictions aren’t limited to fighters who lose. Even the winner must observe the Board’s minimum six-clear-day interval between contests, regardless of how convincingly they win. The Board can also impose additional restrictions if a boxer suffers an injury, including cuts, fractures or suspected concussion.

A suspended boxer cannot compete until the restriction has expired, and sparring is also prohibited unless the Board gives written permission. Depending on the injury, the fighter may need further medical examinations before being cleared to return.

While Wardley could be suspended all year, Dubois could be free to spar again within weeks, considering he was barely hit in the 1.5 rounds the fight lasted. His promoter, Frank Warren, suggested a unification fight with Filip Hrgovic could await Dubois in the new year.