Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 Prediction, Odds & Best Bets
By Jaren Kawada in Boxing
Published:
- Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley run it back for the WBO heavyweight title
- Dubois vs. Wardley 2 headlines a pay-per-view card from the O2 Arena in London, England
- Check out the best analysis, predictions and bets for the top three fights on the Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley 2 card below
In their attempt to become the next great heavyweight boxing rivalry, Daniel Dubois (23-3) and Fabio Wardley (20-1-1) run it back for the WBO heavyweight title five months after their first electric encounter.
Wardley was the defending champion in May, but it is Dubois now entering the matchup with the belt around his waist. ‘Dynamite’ handed Wardley his first career loss by rallying for an 11th-round TKO to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.
The rematch remains in England, where both combatants were born and raised.
The heavyweight title rematch carries the pay-per-view card, which features a British lightweight title fight in the co-main event between Louie O’Doherty (12-0) and Michael Gomez Jr. (23-2).
Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley 2 Odds
Odds as of Oct. 17, 2026 on bet365 Sportsbook. Check out the best boxing apps in 2026 to place a wager.
The first fight was a clean pick ’em, but Dubois has swelled to a healthy -350 favorite in the rematch after getting the better of Wardley in May. The former champion comes back as a +250 underdog.
The undefeated O’Doherty is a slight favorite in the co-main event and listed at -200 over Gomez Jr., who is a +150 underdog. The British lightweight title fight is the closest fight on the main card, according to the betting odds.
Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley 2 Best Bet
Dubois is the better boxer of the two and deserves to be favored in the rematch after delivering a beatdown to Wardley in the first fight. But after the first fight was lined as a pick ’em, this is too much market overcorrection.
Dubois had the right game plan in May and still struggled with Wardley’s power early, hitting the canvas in the first and third rounds. Credit to him for climbing back to his feet and jumping right back in on both occasions, but it remains to be seen how many times he can pull the same trick.
Dubois’ resilience clearly wore Wardley down, and the champion only grew sloppier as the fight progressed, leading to the finish. Wardley has since claimed to have shored up his reckless approach and bolstered his cardio for the rematch.
The champion still holds the upper hand as the more well-rounded boxer with a deeper toolbag. There is just something about Wardley’s power that seems to be different at this level, and he has routinely proven it carries into the later rounds. Dubois, who has been knocked down nine times in his last seven fights, needs another perfect performance to retain his title, and it is asking a lot for him to continue walking through Wardley’s punches at this price.
- Boxing Picks: Fabio Wardley by KO/TKO (+350 at bet365)
Louie O’Doherty vs. Michael Gomez Jr. Prediction
O’Doherty and Gomez are similar pressure-based fighters who will happily oblige in the center of the ring. As the younger, stronger man, O’Doherty is the more physical of the two, which could be the difference.
Neither has much substance to his game, but it almost does not matter with the way they fight. Both Englishmen are constantly looking to push the pace and wear opponents down with volume and resilience more than skill. O’Doherty’s output makes him the slightly more active fighter, especially with Gomez’s tendency to start slowly.
Although neither is known for power, O’Doherty also puts more behind each attack, even if he fails to sit down on his punches. His physicality on the inside and edge in volume should be the deciding factor in a competitive 12-round lightweight bout.
- Boxing Picks: Louie O’Doherty by Decision (+130 at bet365)
Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Solomon Dacres Prediction
Former two-time Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov has another opportunity to skyrocket his career on the main card against Solomon Dacres. Less than two years removed from a knockout loss to David Adeleye, ‘The Meal Deal’ seems like the right opponent on paper, but his style might be a uniquely difficult test for Jalolov.
Jalolov’s wide stance, low hands and quick feet have made him a problem for most heavyweights to deal with throughout his career, and it has allowed the Uzbek to get away with sloppy combinations and low output. The problem for him in this matchup is that he will be facing someone who can match his speed and athleticism for the first time.
Dacres does not have Jalolov’s credentials, but he fights with a similar style, keeping his hands low and relying on his head movement and hand speed to win fights. Dacres’ lone loss came from Adeleye’s sweeping left hook that caught his robotic movement, but he rebounded with a massive upset victory over Vladyslav Sirenko.
Coming off what should be three consecutive lackluster decision wins, Jalolov has seemingly hit a plateau as he has tried to ascend to the top of the heavyweight division. Although he should still beat Dacres, it might be a little more competitive than some are predicting.
- Boxing Picks: Bakhodir Jalolov by Decision (+150 at bet365)
Jaren Kawada is a combat sports betting analyst for Sports Betting Dime, pairing his working knowledge as a former amateur boxer transitioning to MMA with his decade-long journalism experience. Jaren is also an avid and dedicated NFL, NBA and college sports handicapper.
