Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has consistently offered his perspective on the heavyweight division, now framing the anticipated unification rematch between Britain’s Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley. Bellew’s initial assessment, delivered on May 29, 2024, prior to their first bout, had him favouring Hrgovic to win.
Dubois’s subsequent upset victory has profoundly altered the discourse surrounding a second encounter. As discussions about a rematch intensify, especially after Dubois’s recent WBO title defense and Hrgovic’s IBF championship triumph, Bellew’s previous analysis provides vital context for understanding the prospects of another significant heavyweight clash.
Bellew’s Initial Forecast for the Daniel Dubois Fabio Wardley Rematch
In May 2024, Tony Bellew gave a straightforward assessment of the upcoming bout between Filip Hrgovic, known as “El Animal,” and Daniel Dubois, “Dynamite.” He openly stated he “can’t look past Hrgovic,” believing the Croatian possessed greater resilience to overcome tough moments than Dubois.
Bellew acknowledged that Dubois had the capability for an early impact, highlighting his reputation as an “impressive finisher” if his punches connected effectively. However, the former champion ultimately predicted that Hrgovic would “get better as the fight goes on and tak[e] the win,” anticipating a gradual assertion of dominance.
A key concern for Bellew was the lingering narrative surrounding Dubois’s “heart,” following previous losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk. He emphasised that Dubois would need to demonstrate “plenty of courage” against Hrgovic to prove himself a worthy contender for future high-profile fights against stars like Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury.
This pre-fight analysis established a clear expectation, positioning Hrgovic as the more durable and eventual victor. It was a sentiment widely shared among boxing observers at the time, given Dubois’s past performances under intense pressure.
The Upset that Rewrote the Script
Despite Tony Bellew’s confident pre-fight assessment, the heavyweight clash on June 1, 2024, produced a major upset. Daniel Dubois, entering the ring as a +195 underdog, delivered a decisive performance, defeating Filip Hrgovic via technical knockout (TKO) in the eighth round.
The fight, hosted at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased Dubois’s power. He landed a devastating overhand right in the seventh round that badly rocked Hrgovic, swiftly following up with a left hook and another potent right hand.
The bout was ultimately halted on the ringside doctor’s recommendation due to severe lacerations Hrgovic sustained above both eyes. This triumph was pivotal for Dubois, securing him the vacant interim IBF heavyweight championship and silencing critics who questioned his durability and mental toughness.
Bellew himself quickly recognised the shift in perception. Just hours after the fight, he posted on Twitter, “Well it’s clear to see that Daniel Dubois’s chin should not be questioned! 👏 #5v5 #HrgovicDubois.” This concise yet powerful retraction underscored Dubois’s triumphant evening and garnered him newfound respect.
Heavyweight Unification: The Evolving Landscape
The heavyweight division continually strives for an undisputed champion, a fighter who holds all four major titles from the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO). Unification fights are crucial milestones toward achieving this ultimate goal, generating immense fan interest and significant prestige.
Currently, the heavyweight landscape sees Murat Gassiev as the WBA champion, Agit Kabayel holding the WBC title, Filip Hrgovic with the IBF belt, and Daniel Dubois as the WBO champion. This fragmented championship picture sets the stage for compelling future matchups and strategic planning by promoters.
A potential unification rematch between Dubois and Hrgovic would merge two of these significant major titles. It would also considerably clarify the hierarchy within the division, propelling the winner closer to an opportunity to become an undisputed kingpin. Oleksandr Usyk notably achieved undisputed status in May 2024, highlighting the rarity and importance of such an accomplishment in modern boxing.
The Path to a Potential Rematch
Since their initial encounter in June 2024, both Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic have navigated distinct career paths to become reigning champions. Their individual successes have now reignited calls for a second, high-stakes showdown that could profoundly impact the division.
Filip Hrgovic swiftly recovered from his loss, stopping Moses Itauma in the ninth round in August 2026 to claim the vacant IBF heavyweight title. This victory restored his standing as a top contender and positioned him for future major fights.
Daniel Dubois, meanwhile, captured the WBO heavyweight title in May 2026. He then successfully defended it with a dominant second-round stoppage victory over Fabio Wardley on October 17, 2026. This recent WBO title defense solidified his championship status and showcased his improved form.
Following Dubois’s victory over Wardley, Hrgovic entered the ring, exchanging heated words and directly demanding a rematch. “I’ll smash Dubois in a rematch, and I’m coming for all the belts,” Hrgovic declared, signalling his intent to avenge his only professional loss and unify titles.
Dubois reciprocated this desire, stating, “I want to have a rematch with him. I want to get that belt. I want to get my old belt back and yeah, rule the division.” Their current championship statuses and mutual interest form a strong foundation for an eagerly anticipated second fight.
Promoter Frank Warren has even promised heavyweight unification fights, with a rematch between Dubois and Hrgovic possible in 2027.
Bellew’s Shifting Perspective and Future Outlook
Tony Bellew’s analysis extends beyond the immediate aftermath of Dubois’s initial victory. He has continued to offer insights into Daniel Dubois’s trajectory, particularly concerning potential mega-fights against established stars like Anthony Joshua. Bellew’s initial praise for Dubois’s courage against Hrgovic was soon tempered by concerns over his long-term durability.
Addressing a potential Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua fight, Bellew cautioned, “If he (Dubois) fights AJ next, then I am sorry to say it but it ends quickly and brutally.” He believed Dubois absorbed considerable damage against Hrgovic, a level of impact he felt would be unsustainable against Joshua’s power.
Despite Bellew’s warning, promoter Frank Warren has been vocal about securing such a matchup. Warren stated that Dubois “hopefully will be fighting AJ in the autumn, we’re working on that,” possibly at Wembley Stadium. Dubois himself has expressed a strong desire to fight Tyson Fury if he defeats Joshua, indicating his ambition to challenge the division’s elite.
However, the path to a rematch, or other major bouts, isn’t entirely clear for either fighter. Hrgovic is legally bound to face Cuban contender Frank Sanchez for his IBF title in early 2027, potentially in Croatia.
This mandatory defense could delay any immediate plans for a second clash with Dubois, who is also navigating his own potential matchups. Both fighters are signed to Queensberry Promotions, which might streamline negotiations for future bouts.
The Unification Dream: Dubois vs. Hrgovic II
The prospect of a second fight between Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic carries immense weight for the heavyweight division. It’s not merely a chance for redemption or a continuation of their rivalry, but a pivotal moment for unification. The winner would hold two major world titles, significantly advancing their claim to undisputed status and solidifying their position at the top.
Promoter Frank Warren has consistently championed unification fights, signaling his intent to push for these high-stakes encounters. A rematch between these two champions aligns perfectly with this vision, promising a thrilling spectacle for boxing fans worldwide.
However, mandatory obligations and the intricate dance of boxing politics mean the exact timing remains fluid. Hrgovic’s manager, Keith Connolly, has indicated a defense against Frank Sanchez might precede a Dubois rematch. This adds an element of strategic waiting to the eagerly anticipated second bout, but the mutual desire for unification remains strong.
Ultimately, the narrative shaped by Tony Bellew’s initial predictions and the subsequent events has created a compelling storyline for the heavyweight division. Whether it’s Dubois again proving his “heart” or Hrgovic seeking to avenge his sole professional loss, the potential rematch stands as a crucial junction on the road to a unified heavyweight crown.
