Fabio Wardley has told Sky Sports he is “very keen” to defend his WBO world title against Tyson Fury following the Frenchman’s decision to come out of retirement.
Wardley was promoted as the new WBO world champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish his belt for a mandatory title defense against the British heavyweight.
Fury, who confirmed his recent return on Sunday, mentioned Wardley’s name as one of a number of potential opponents on social media.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the undefeated Wardley admitted he is keen to face Fury in 2026.
“It was good[to be on Tyson Fury’s hit list]because he was already on my list, so it makes no difference to me,” Wardley said.
Fury announced his return to boxing in an Instagram post on Sunday.
“Look, that’s something I really aspire to, because I’m not going to shy away from the big fights. I didn’t get a world title just to have an easy match, hold it, hide it and run away.
“I’m not going to run away with my belt and I’m not going to give it to anybody. The big names that are out there are the guys that I want to fight.
“Open[to negotiations]might be a bit of an understatement. I’m very curious to know if he’s serious about it.
“He may look at it like it would be easy to come out of retirement, compete, win a world title and move on to bigger goals, but as fighters these days are finding out, I’m pretty much a banana peel.
“I’ll back me up against anyone in this division, and that’s proven about me.
“No matter how the fighter, the scene, the night, the event or the fight itself unfolds, I always have a chance. I won’t give up until I hear the final bell.”
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Wardley believes Anthony Joshua may need to take a break from boxing after a tragic car crash that killed two of his close friends.
Could Chisora be another option for Wardley?
Derek Chisora, another big-name opponent in the country, is also rumored to be a potential opponent for Wardley.
Chisora intends to play his 50th and final fight in the coming months, and Wardley will likely enjoy that match against England.
“I really think it will be an attractive fight for British boxing fans,” Wardley said.
“For me, I look at my fight not only from a boxer’s perspective, but also from a fan’s perspective.
Derek Chisora may also be involved in the fight with Wardley
“I look at them like this: If I’m sitting on the couch and this comes up, would I be interested in it?
“I think it’s hard to find anyone in the boxing world who could watch a fight with my name, Chisora, and think that our styles don’t match or that we wouldn’t have an interesting fight.
“It would be a good way to send him off as he packs up for his 50th fight (for retirement). Everything he’s done in this sport is admirable and he’s as entertaining and fun as I’ve seen him over the years.”
“It’s like I’m doing a service. Give him his 50th appearance, win a world title, send him loaded with big shows and big matches, but it’s only going to go one way.”
