Fabio Wardley fell short in an attempt to avenge his defeat to Daniel Dubois and reclaim the WBO heavyweight world title last weekend.

Now, there are calls for the Ipswich fan-favourite to retire, with one former heavyweight ruler believing that, if he doesn’t, it will ‘not be good for his health’.

Wardley was elevated to full WBO heavyweight world champion in late 2025 and accepted a daring first defence of the belt against Dubois. 

However, despite flooring ‘Triple D’ twice in the opening three rounds, Wardley lost his belt to the Londoner via technical knockout in round 11, following a fight of the year candidate.

However, in their rematch last Saturday, the difference in levels became far more evident as Dubois brutally dismissed any chance of the upset by running through Wardley inside two rounds.

Speaking to talkSPORT, former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye argued that Wardley’s lack of boxing experience was evident, claiming the 31-year-old had “missed too many lessons”.

“Wardley made no adjustments in regards to the fight that he was in and he is going to really struggle staying at this level.

“I really like Wardley, he has amazing ability in regards to toughness, you can’t touch his toughness. But, the unfortunate part is that he has missed too many lessons earlier on in his career. The feet, the balance, he is so far on his front leg.”

Haye also addressed whether Wardley should retire, insisting that the former world champion remains capable of putting on ‘great fights’, while warning that they ‘will not be good for his health’.

“He could continue and we’d have some great fights, but it is not going to be good for his health.”

Dubois is expected to return to action as soon as February, whilst many are advising Wardley to have a long lay-off, if he decides to ignore the opinions of other fighters and remain in the sport.