Fighting Oleksandr Usyk looks like torture. Fabio Wardley is eager to see it.
Wardley, the new mandatory challenger to the undisputed heavyweight world champion, has collected Parker’s WBO Interim Title. Usyk can vacate the WBO title and pursue other options but to retain the four major heavyweight title he will have to face Wardley.
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Wardley forced Parker to finish the fight after the 11th round
It’s simple. I hope that he keeps his word, and the fight happens. Wardley said that he knew it was a WBO mandate and that he, or at least his team, had come out not long ago and stated, “Look, they kept an eye on the match and were happy to face the winner,” Wardley explained to Sky Sports News.
“I think he’s a man that keeps his promises.” In 2026, we hope to see Usyk. “That would be huge.”
Frank Warren, the promoter, does not expect Wardley to fight Usyk. “I’m thinking it will be sometime in March. It is only in two places that it could happen. Wardley stated that the event will either take place in Riyadh, or right here.”That’ll sell out Wembley.” You know what Fabio and Usyk will bring. It is going be exciting. This guy has to be among the most exciting fighters on the planet.”Getting to the Usyk bout is one thing but beating him is another.” Tyson Fury failed twice in his attempts. Anthony Joshua also tried and failed. Daniel Dubois also failed in his two attempts.
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Usyk is a fighter who stands out. He is a fighter with an indomitable desire to win. He has an elite skill set that helped him win the Olympic Games in London 2012. This includes a brilliant boxing intelligence, excellent movement, and a great footwork. Wardley is a bigger underdog than the other British heavyweights. Fury, Joshua and Dubois were all heavyweight champions two times over before their fights with Usyk. Dubois also won an IBF championship and knocked out Joshua in his rematch.
Parker on Usyk and Wardley
Can Wardley beat Usyk? “There’s only one way to find out,” said Parker. “I’m not sure. If that fight’s to be made we’ll see but I do feel like I was leading the fight… He’s got that equaliser which can change everything.”
Usyk came through all that to prove himself the best heavyweight of his generation, never losing a pro bout, going undisputed at heavyweight (twice) as well as cruiserweight.Wardley does not have those credentials. Wardley is a fighter who has never been a carded amateur and only turned professional after a handful ‘white-collar bouts’. Wardley’s incredible toughness and ferocious punching power have helped him to win when it seemed all was lost. His determination to win is perhaps even Usykesque, given the punishments he endured.
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Check out the highlights of Oleksandr Usky’s stunning knockout win against Daniel Dubois, at Wembley Stadium
“It’s impossible to understate how talented he is and how good of a boxer he is. But I believe in myself.” Wardley replied, “I do not care who this man is.”At his bare minimum, he has the same two arms as me and is a man who stands across the ring.”So, any man who enters the ring alongside me I will be able to defeat.Wardley is a fighter who never gives up even when he appears to be in a losing battle.He said, “I think the mentality was, look, as long as I am still in the ring and my feet are still down, I still have some breath left in my lungs I’m in the fight.” “It doesn’t matter if it is the first round or the 12th.”The fight will last as long as the fight lasts, and I’ll still be working hard to win if I am in there.”Just resilience. I refuse to lose. If I ever lose, whoever does it will have earned the loss.”It won’t be an easy task for anyone. I don’t even care who it is.”
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Wardley is aiming for Usyk, the undisputed champion of the world
Frank Warren cautions that Wardley should not be dismissed. The promoter declared, “He is devastating.” “”Of Course Usyk will be in, and he’ll a huge favourite. I get it, but I’ll tell you something, if [Wardley] If he catches him, he’ll need a very special chin.”I am proud of his journey. He will fight four belts if the fight takes place, as I believe it will. Warren continued, “What a fairytale that is.” “It is a great achievement to reach that level, and to be able do it.I have been in this business for a very long time, and it’s amazing to see someone who has no amateur experience. That was his 21st match, and he is still learning on the job.
2025-10-27 06:00:00
