Daniel Dubois is eyeing an April–May 2026 return and could be steered toward WBO champion Fabio Wardley. For bettors, markets may favor Wardley as the reigning champion, but Dubois’ knockout power makes KO and round-specific markets tempting — consider a Dubois stoppage or a narrow Wardley points win once ring-rust indicators arrive.
Daniel Dubois targets April–May 2026 comeback
Daniel Dubois is planning a return to the ring in the early months of 2026, with his team targeting April or, at the latest, May. The former world titleholder has been sidelined since his July 2025 rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk and has reshuffled his backroom staff since that loss.
Where Dubois stands after the Usyk defeat
Dubois had built momentum with three straight wins before being stopped in the fifth round by Usyk. His only professional defeats remain to Joe Joyce and Usyk. In the aftermath he brought Sam Jones into a central role in his camp and has signalled a swift return.
Manager outlines comeback window and targets
Manager Sam Jones says Dubois will be back soon and indicated an April–May timeline. Jones also suggested Fabio Wardley, now the WBO heavyweight champion, would be a logical and lucrative voluntary defence opponent — a fight that would pit two big punchers against each other and generate strong public interest.
How a Dubois–Wardley fight could materialise
Wardley is scheduled to fight in April, which fits neatly with the window given for Dubois’ return. While no official bouts have been announced, a matchup between the two heavy hitters makes sense competitively and commercially, and conversations between their camps are already under way.
Boxing landscape and implications
Outside the top trio of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois remains one of the most high-profile names in the division. A successful comeback and a win over Wardley would reinsert him into world-title calculations; conversely, another defeat would set back those ambitions significantly.
Betting considerations
Punters should monitor ring-rust indicators and final opponent confirmation. As champion, Wardley may open as the favorite, but Dubois’ stoppage record means KO markets and round betting could offer value. Consider shorter-term markets (method of victory, rounds) until full fight-week form clues emerge.
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Daniel Dubois' boxing return is being targeted within the first five months of 2026.Dubois has been out of action since he fought Oleksandr Usyk in Ju
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