Dubois vs Wardley 2: the Londoner retains the title with a dominant stoppage in the second round

A sold-out crowd of 19,000 filled the O2 Arena and made their allegiance clear.

Wardley’s charismatic but measured personality made him a popular figure. He looked full of determination as he took his time on stage, fireworks exploding in front of him, his usual smile replaced by an air of determination.

Dubois, meanwhile, was greeted with boos as he walked straight past the fireworks and towards the ring, wasting little time in taking advantage of the occasion.

Actor Paddy Considine, comedian Rob Beckett, Oasis star Noel Gallagher and world darts champion Luke Littler were among the famous faces in attendance.

With 41 knockouts between the fighters, few expected the judges to be called upon. The feeling was that Wardley’s best chance lay in another quick start, having dropped Dubois in the opening moments of their first meeting.

But in a stunning reversal, it took just 17 seconds for Wardley to hit the canvas as Dubois backed him into a corner and landed straight on the right.

Chants of “oh Fabio Wardley” were quickly silenced as Dubois continued to throw punishing combinations. Another furious attack towards the end of the round left Wardley in deep trouble.

Trainer Ben Davison, criticized for not removing Wardley earlier in their first fight, stood with a towel in his hand as his fighter survived to the bell.

There had already been questions about whether Wardley had returned too quickly after his punishment in May, when he was left bloodied and badly swollen.

And those fears seemed justified as the challenger struggled to cope with the relentless pressure from Dubois. Wardley’s hands were low and his punches wild and telegraphed, lacking the menace he had shown in Manchester.

Backed into the corner again in the second round, he was subjected to another barrage before Davison pounced and threw in the towel.

The two men could hardly be more different outside of the ring. Dubois was generally reserved throughout fight week, appearing uncomfortable in the media spotlight. Wardley, by contrast, was relaxed and articulate, insisting he had learned from his mistakes.

But despite their contrasting personalities and bitter rivalry, there was mutual respect by the end of the fight.