Fabio Wardley Sets His Sights on Oleksandr Usyk After Dramatic Win Over Joseph Parker
The heavyweight division has a new headline act. Fabio Wardley, fresh off his dramatic 11th-round stoppage win over Joseph Parker at London’s O2 Arena, is no longer just a rising British star — he’s now the man in line to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship. The win, which secured Wardley the WBO interim title, marked a major turning point in his career and set the stage for one of the biggest fights in modern boxing.
From Underdog to Mandatory Challenger
Wardley’s victory wasn’t just about the finish — it was about heart. Parker, a former world champion, controlled the early rounds with his jab and timing, but Wardley refused to wilt. As the fight wore on, his persistence paid off. In the 11th, a burst of energy and precision saw him land heavy combinations that forced the referee to step in, sealing the biggest win of his career.
That triumph made Wardley the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title. And for Wardley, the moment couldn’t be bigger. “That has been the goal for a number of years now. It’s been everything I’ve wanted,” he said after the fight. “We’re there. It’s a wild one to say but one of the generational talents, one of the best to ever do it, for all the marbles. There’s nothing more I could want within this sport.”
Eyes on Usyk — and the World
The undefeated Brit knows exactly what’s next — and he’s not showing an ounce of intimidation. “I’m not planning on getting in the ring with Usyk and going ‘thanks for having me’ and rolling over. When that bell does go, he’s going to have to work for it,” Wardley declared, sending a clear message to the Ukrainian champion.
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Wardley even joked about hosting the fight anywhere in the world, saying, “I think I’d like to go overseas, something different, maybe America. Ultimately it could be in my back garden. Give him the directions to Ipswich, I’ll give him my postcode, and we can do it in the garden. As long as he’s there, bring his belts, let’s get this on.”
His confidence and charisma have quickly made him a fan favorite — a fighter who brings both excitement and humility to the ring.
Warren Eyes Wembley or Riyadh
While Wardley is open to fighting anywhere, promoter Frank Warren has a clearer vision for where this mega-fight might land. “I think it will be some time in March, something like that,” Warren said. “I’d love it to be in the UK. There’s only two places for it, Riyadh or here. That would sell out Wembley. You know what you’re getting with Usyk and you know what you’re getting with Fabio. It’s going to be exciting. This fella’s [Wardley] got to be one of the most exciting fighters in the world. Devastating.”
Warren’s words capture the energy surrounding Wardley’s rise — a fighter who went from the small halls to being one win away from undisputed glory.
What Comes Next
A showdown with Usyk would be the ultimate test. The Ukrainian champion, revered for his movement, ring IQ, and mastery of the sport, represents the highest level of competition Wardley could face. Yet it’s precisely that challenge that fuels him.
Whether it happens under the lights of Wembley or in the glitz of Riyadh, one thing is certain — Fabio Wardley has earned his shot. And as he steps closer to a fight with one of boxing’s all-time greats, the world will be watching to see if the Ipswich powerhouse can shock the heavyweight world once again.
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