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Heavyweight world champion says Daniel Dubois is a ‘fake champion’: “I’ll destroy him”

has been accused of being a “fake champion”, despite defending his WBO title with a second-round finish over Fabio Wardley earlier this month. The 29-year-old had become a two-time world heavyweight champion in May, scoring an 11th-round stoppage of Wardley…

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 8:58 AM
Heavyweight world champion says Daniel Dubois is a ‘fake champion’: “I’ll destroy him”
Key Things to Know
  • Filip Hrgovic called Daniel Dubois a "fake champion" and claimed he would destroy him in a potential rematch.
  • Dubois defended his WBO title earlier this month by stopping Fabio Wardley in the second round.
  • Hrgovic won the IBF heavyweight title in August after a ninth-round stoppage of Moses Itauma.
The Story in 60 Seconds

IBF heavyweight world champion Filip Hrgovic has labeled Daniel Dubois a "fake champion" following Dubois' second-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley to defend his WBO title. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Hrgovic claimed Dubois inherited that status by beating Wardley, whom he also considered an illegitimate titleholder due to a controversial decision win over Joseph Parker.

Hrgovic expressed an eagerness to face Dubois in a title unification match next year, insisting he would "destroy" him. Dubois previously defeated Hrgovic by eighth-round stoppage in June 2024, but the Croatian maintained that illness and cuts during training severely hindered his performance in their initial fight.

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