It once seemed unimaginable that Fabio Wardley, a former white-collar boxer, would even be in the conversation to face heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Yet time and again, Wardley has silenced doubters in emphatic fashion.
His 10th-round knockout of Justis Huni at Portman Road kept Wardley firmly on track. Meanwhile, Joseph Parker had been patiently waiting for his own chance against Usyk, widely expected to dispatch the Ipswich fighter with ease.
Despite referee Howard Foster’s controversial intervention during last night’s London bout, Wardley proved he belongs at the top. Now newly installed as the WBO mandatory challenger, a showdown with Usyk doesn’t feel so far-fetched. Speaking to DAZN’s in-ring interviewer Ade Oladipo after stopping Parker in the 11th round, Wardley shouted: “Look Ade. I’ve got one thing only to say. Uuuusssyyyk. Uuuusssyyyk.”
Oladipo responded matter-of-factly: “And you’ll get Oleksandr Usyk as well,” though the fight is still far from confirmed.
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Usyk’s compact frame and masterful movement are notoriously difficult for opponents, but Parker’s extra weight made him a slower, easier target for Wardley. Parker didn’t earn his shot at Usyk simply because he lacked the excitement and marketability Wardley now brings to the table. With an unorthodox style and a fresh approach to heavyweight boxing, Wardley is now chasing a far bigger ceiling.
That could mean a shot at undisputed glory—or a major payday against names like Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, or even a returning Tyson Fury. Meanwhile, the possibility of a rematch with Parker still lingers after the contentious finish.
Though Usyk would likely outclass Wardley with ease, the O2’s events have made a life-changing payday seem far more realistic for the rising star.
