Fabio Wardley is next looking to deliver the mandatory blow to undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Wardley insists he will give the seasoned Ukrainian a new challenge.
“We haven’t dissected it thoroughly yet, but that’s next year’s work,” Wardley said. “When you put it all together, it’s crazy, but I’m next.
“I have broad shoulders, so that’s okay. I’ll carry all the pressure. But there’s something different about me.
“(Usyk’s previous opponents) all have similar backgrounds and similar approaches. I’m from a different school, I’m from a different school, whatever you want to call it. We’ve been throwing all the usual guys at him. He’s our top dog. Let’s try something different and see what happens in the end.”
Fabio Wardley goes to war with Joseph Parker
Wardley had no amateur boxing background. He started out as a white collar fighter but remains undefeated as a professional. He was a heavy underdog against WBO interim titlist Joseph Parker, but scored a stunning upset victory over the New Zealander at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.
The victory means Wardley has overhauled Parker as a mandatory challenger to Usyk’s WBO title, one of four world championships held by Ukrainian fighters.
If Usyk is to retain his WBO belt, he must box the Ipswich man next.
Wardley once sparred with Usyk in Ukraine and now believes his dream match against the undisputed champion will become a reality in the new year.
“I don’t know how to put it into words. That’s been the goal for years. That was the goal. That was everything I wanted,” Wardley said.
“Look, we’re there. It’s rude to say that. One of the generational talents, one of the best players ever, all the marbles. There’s nothing more I could want. There’s nothing more I could want in this sport.”
“Like everything else that got me here, all I ever asked for was an opportunity and I got it, and I’m not going to stop here, I’m not going to go and thank Usyk for accepting me and rolling over. That’s not what I’m about.”
“So when the bell rings and me and Usyk finally get in the ring, he’s going to have to work for it.”
Wardley celebrates upset win over Parker
There are hopes that the Usyk fight could take place in the first quarter of 2026. Wardley is keen to fight Usyk both in the UK and abroad.
“Tell Usyk to come. Give me directions to Ipswich. I’ll give you the postcode. He can come look for me in the garden. As long as he’s there, bring me the belt. Let’s put this on!” Wardley declared.
“Every bump in the road made me who I am,” he continued. “Everything has built me up and developed resilience. All the setbacks, you say I’m white collar and I’m not going to do that well. All of that builds resilience.
“So when I get in the ring that night, I don’t care if it doesn’t go my way, I don’t care if the judges don’t lift me up, I believe in myself.
“I’m just riding the wave. It’s been a wild ride, a wild journey, and it’s not even close to being over yet. I still have a lot of work to do and a lot of things to do in this sport. And there’s a lot more to come.”
