Daniel Dubois became two-time champion after dethroning Fabio Wardley - but not before he had hit the canvas twice early on too.

Yet his success came in the face of an opponent who refused to know when he was beaten, in an episode of pure sporting theatre.

Here, DAZN News looks back at the week in boxing - and picks out five key stories worth revisiting as we head for the next seven days.

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DAZN FACE OFF: Usyk vs. Verhoeven

Watch dramatic clash here

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Dubois silences critics with wondrous turn

The writing could have been on the wall for 'Dynamite' after he was dropped in the first and third rounds at Manchester's Co-op Live.

Instead, he banished claims about his mentality by rising from the canvas to comprehensively outland and outwork his opponent.

His reward is the WBO title - and with it, arguably a more assured performance than his knockout win against Anthoy Joshua too.

Defiant Wardley enhances reputation in defeat

It is rare for a world champion to come away from a bout where they lost their crown with more admiration and respect to their name.

Yet that is exactly what Wardley and his granite-like chin managed, having refused to be bowed until referee Howard Foster intervened.

Matt McNulty/Getty Images

The Ipswich fighter never hit the floor once across almost a dozen rounds, and ends this reign with his reputation handed a boost.

Questions linger over corner decisions

Trainer Ben Davison's admission that Wardley should perhaps have been rescued by his team beforehand raised some eyebrows though.

From arguably the eighth round onwards, the champion appeared to waver on his feet, yet remained swinging for the fences throughout.

Wardley's reputation as a late-in-the-game player may have worked against him here in the end, and there will be plenty still to unpack.

Chelli announces top-tier credentials

Few seemed to give Zak Chelli a fighting chance as a late-game replacement for David Morrell - but the star seized his opportunity in style.

Queensberry, Leigh Dawney

The Briton was down on the scorecards heading into the final round, but cornered his foe and secured a knockout with the clock ticking.

Morrell's team will surely want a shot at redemption against the outsider, but Chelli now finds himself among serious light-heavyweight players.

Rafferty announces welterweight credentials

Having earned Lonsdale Belt honours at super-lightweight, Jack Rafferty made a near-seamless leap to welterweight on Saturday night too.

The star's win over Ekow Essuman, who was withdrawn after six rounds, sees him underline his credentials amid a busy domestic scene.

Quite what Rafferty will do next remains to be seen, but his stock will surely only build with his latest foray against an oft-difficult contender.

Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven only on DAZN

Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here .