Boxing fans are still buzzing after the heavyweight showdown between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, a fight that has already been dubbed the "fight of the year" by none other than Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher and boxing legend Chris Eubank Jr. But while the action had everyone on the edge of their seats, a heated debate has erupted: should the referee have stepped in sooner to save Wardley from himself?

Dubois, showing incredible resilience, climbed off the canvas twice to dominate the second half of the bout. Wardley, battered and bruised, somehow survived until the 10th round, but his condition raised serious concerns. At ringside, doctors twice allowed the fight to continue after inspections, but many believe that was a mistake.

"Save the man, he's a father, he's got a family – pull the plug on this one now," pleaded retired fighter Darren Barker on DAZN. Former world champion Carl Frampton echoed those sentiments, calling Wardley "the bravest man he'd ever seen" but insisting his corner or the referee should have intervened before the 10th round. Even in the aftermath, Wardley was seen leaning over the ropes to reassure his family, telling them he was "okay."

Richie Woodhall, a former super-middleweight world champion, believes Wardley fell "victim" to his own reputation for pulling off late comebacks. At 31, Wardley has a history of digging deep, overcoming massive deficits against Joseph Parker and Justis Huni with late stoppages. But this time, the punches were too heavy, and the risk too great.

"It was uncomfortable at times," Woodhall said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "We know how tough Wardley is, but he was in with the hardest puncher he's ever faced. I can't believe the shots he took, and he never hit the canvas. In the past, his recoveries have been incredible, but the referees let this one go on too long. Fabio is a victim of that."

Boxing expert Steve Bunce agreed, noting that while Wardley started strong in the first three rounds, his incredible start completely unraveled by the 10th. "There were limits," Bunce said, and those limits were clearly crossed.

The stats tell the story of a brutal war: 749 combined punches thrown over 11 rounds, with Dubois landing 87 power punches to Wardley's 40. It was a fight that had everything – knockdowns, drama, and heart – but also raised tough questions about fighter safety.

For fans of the sweet science, this bout will be remembered as a classic. But for those who care about the warriors inside the ring, it's a stark reminder that sometimes the bravest thing a corner can do is throw in the towel.