Five months after delivering one of the most gripping heavyweight bouts of the season, Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley prepare to clash once more in the capital this weekend.

Dubois, aged 29, steps into his first defense of the WBO world crown following a dramatic recovery from two knockdowns to halt Wardley in round 11 during their May showdown in Manchester.

Wardley, 31, from Ipswich, endured his initial professional loss that evening yet quickly invoked his rematch option to pursue another shot at the title.

Boasting 41 stoppages across 43 wins combined, the pair could deliver another high-impact encounter at the O2 Arena.

Will Dubois secure a second victory or can Wardley exact revenge to claim the belt for a second time?

BBC Sport gathered insights from various voices in boxing for their forecasts.

Barry Jones - ex-super-featherweight world champion

Selecting against the victor from the initial meeting proves challenging in a rematch scenario. Dubois stayed remarkably steady despite two early visits to the canvas. Wardley possesses the ability to end any contest instantly, a trait that propelled him from limited white-collar background to world champion status. His approach remains consistent and predictable.

Dubois has never lacked punching strength, physical power or courage. Challenges arise when he must strategize without clear solutions, leading to hesitation. Landing heavy blows allows him to respond in kind and inflict damage.

After the knockdowns, his team maintained composure effectively, enabling him to target Wardley cleanly and repeatedly.

The outcome should mirror the first bout, though Dubois could finish matters sooner. Wardley may score a knockdown, ensuring excitement while it continues, yet I anticipate Dubois prevailing inside five rounds.

Forecast - Dubois

Ade Oladipo - DAZN presenter

Another win for the champion or a reversal? The evidence points toward repetition. Wardley created opportunities initially, but Dubois asserted control aside from those two falls. Rising from both showed significant character.

Dubois earns my support. Wardley carries knockout threat, yet Dubois ranks as the top heavyweight globally, with Oleksandr Usyk in a separate category awaiting his next move.

Dubois leads the division, Wardley sits in the top five, and the champion will draw extra assurance from holding the title plus the short preparation window for Wardley after absorbing punishment five months prior.

Placing a stake, all goes on Dubois securing another stoppage.

Forecast - Dubois

Johnny Fisher - British heavyweight

A compelling matchup. Wardley deserves credit for returning after absorbing substantial punishment and remaining upright, displaying remarkable resolve. He also demonstrated the capacity to trouble Dubois early on.

Nevertheless, the logical choice leans toward another Dubois success.

Forecast - Dubois

Richard Riakporhe - British heavyweight champion

An intriguing contest. Dubois brings exceptional power and constant threat, though Wardley edges my preference slightly due to his durability, output and knack for navigating difficult phases.

Wardley receives a 60-40 advantage, but either result would not shock.

Forecast - Wardley

Liam Gough - boxing content creator and BBC Sounds Punch Perfect host

Dubois enters with substantial belief after overcoming two early knockdowns and taking command afterward. Wardley appears unlikely to alter the result this time.

Dubois should press forward more forcefully from the start. His jab will land sharply, yet his varied weapons beyond the right hand add danger.

Wardley packs serious power too, but Dubois offers greater versatility with backup options. Expect no prolonged probing phase.

Dubois will aim to dominate early, applying pressure and seizing control. The action could ignite immediately, so stay alert as this may conclude swiftly.

Forecast - Dubois

Carl Frampton - former two-weight world champion

A repeat performance seems likely, possibly ending sooner. No slight intended toward Wardley, yet enduring such intense exchanges and heavy damage can leave lasting effects upon return.

His nose shows incomplete recovery. Wardley must unload everything aggressively in the opening rounds to stand a chance. Extended duration favors Dubois jab causing further harm to the nose.

Wardley shows great toughness, which occasionally proves costly as seen previously. Multiple wars extract a toll.

Dubois should win between rounds seven and 10.

Forecast - Dubois

Emily Eubank - BBC Sounds Punch Perfect host

A level score to set up a trilogy would be ideal, and Wardley holds the tools, though the task looks demanding. Logic suggests Dubois will approach with greater assurance and precision, leading to another stoppage. He can build directly on the prior performance for a smoother, faster finish. Time will tell.

Forecast - Dubois

Darren Barker - former middleweight world champion

The opener earned the label do not blink, and the same applies here as a requirement. Every element exists for a spectacular clash.

Wardley came second previously and must elevate his performance. Dubois confidence has soared, rendering him exceptionally difficult to overcome. His jab, experience and renewed self-belief should prove decisive.

Still, Wardley cannot be entirely discounted.

Forecast - Dubois

Michael Venom Page - former UFC fighter

Wardley connected early in the first encounter, yet that initial success may have hindered adaptation. He repeated the same strike without variation, allowing Dubois to anticipate it. Failure to adjust was surprising.

Smarter shot selection plus new angles could create a winnable fight for Wardley. Dubois remains a formidable force who adapted impressively under duress. His aggression and power stand out. Minor tweaks might flip the script, yet Dubois receives my backing.

Forecast - Dubois

Jeamie TKV - British heavyweight

My outlook carries some bias as we share a gym, placing me firmly with Wardley despite knowing Dubois since age 15.

Wardley possesses the ability to secure victory this time. Anticipate an excellent fight with both delivering strong showings.

Forecast - Wardley

Paul Smith - former world title challenger

Dubois appeals in the middle to later stages. Wardley will start quickly and apply pressure, representing his strongest opportunity. An early Wardley win would not surprise, but Dubois holds the edge.

Wardley absorbed significant shots previously, which drained reserves. He cannot afford to box Dubois and must attempt an early assault. Dubois will counter, absorb the initial surge and employ movement to neutralize threats as before.

Forecast - Dubois

Nick Peet - journalist and broadcaster

No prior Dubois selection has been incorrect. Records show predictions of his world title path well in advance, alongside forecasts of losses to Joe Joyce and twice to Oleksandr Usyk. Yet stops were correctly called against Anthony Joshua and Wardley in May.

Superior movement and agility receive insufficient recognition, complemented by hard-earned experience evident in his earlier tactical knee.

In a matchup between a puncher and a boxer who punches, favor the more seasoned operator. Dubois by stoppage, likely sooner than before as Wardley corner shows greater caution this time.

Forecast - Dubois

Adam Smith - DAZN commentator

This ranks among the standout heavyweight rematches of 2026 following one of the finest domestic heavyweight encounters. The original featured drama, blood, intensity and top-level boxing.

Repeat or reversal? Dubois holds the title and favoritism, yet can Wardley land the decisive power this time? Or does Dubois assurance and strength prevail?

Both forecast finishes inside five rounds. A knockout appears probable, though direction remains uncertain.

Forecast - 50-50

Tony Bellew - former cruiserweight world champion

Support goes to Fabio Wardley by stoppage inside six rounds. That is the call.

Forecast - Wardley