“That’ll go on in the autumn. They’ve called for it, and we’re working on putting that together,” said Warren to iFL TV.

“If he’s not fit enough, then Daniel will defend [his title] against somebody else. But [the rematch] is the intention.”

The comments provide the clearest indication yet that the second fight is being targeted for September, October, or November.

Wardley emerged from the first contest with his reputation enhanced despite the loss. After entering the fight on the back of wins over notable heavyweight contenders, he dropped Dubois twice early before being gradually broken down by the champion’s jab and pressure.

Many observers felt the fight could have been stopped several rounds earlier as Wardley absorbed sustained punishment, but referee Howard Foster allowed the contest to continue until the 11th-round finish.

Dubois, meanwhile, rebounded from his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk by capturing the WBO title and establishing himself once again as one of the division’s leading names.

If Wardley is unable to return in time for an autumn rematch, Warren indicated that Dubois would instead move forward with a title defense against another opponent before revisiting the rivalry at a later date.