Fabio Wardley will hail his world heavyweight title fight with Tyson Fury as a “huge event” for British boxing this summer, manager Mike Ofo has said.
Fury released a short statement on his social media over the weekend, confirming that a fight with Wardley was a “good option” for later this year and that the WBO champion remains keen for a luxury bout with the Briton.
Wardley was promoted to WBO champion after Usyk relinquished his belt without making a mandatory title defense against the Brit, but the Ukrainian’s plans to fight Deontay Wilder have been thrown into disarray as he is now set to face Derek Chisora.
Fabio Wardley’s manager Mike Ofo says the WBO champion would enjoy a fight with Tyson Fury
Wardley’s manager Ofo told Sky Sports: “The world now sees Usyk just covering Fabio by claiming he’s fighting Wilder. Obviously that’s not happening and Usyk is still running away from the fight with Fabio.”
“He should change his name to Oleksandr Dukshik.
“We all know that Tyson doesn’t fool anyone, but he proved it again by criticizing Fabio.
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In the latest Toe2Toe podcast, Barry Jones and Andy Scott discuss the prospects for a fight between Tyson Fury and Fabio Wardley.
“Fabio is open to fighting Tyson and would welcome what will be a big event for British boxing this summer. Let’s go for it!”
Fury was quick to react after Ofo’s comments were posted on Sky Sports Boxing’s Instagram account.
“Let’s see how I fare on my return,” Fury wrote in the comments.
“Never count your eggs before they hatch. There’s an old saying that tells you to fight one battle at a time.
“I’m into big punchers. I fought the biggest punchers three times in my prime and was undefeated both times.
“Also, I beat No. 1 Wladimir Klitschko, the old Dr. Steelhammer. I beat Usyk twice and lost both times. Politics.”
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Tyson Fury has unveiled a new training workout ahead of his boxing return. Instagram credit: @tysonfury.
Fury’s manager Spencer Brown confirmed to Sky Sports that Fury is scheduled to fight his return fight in April, with Wardley likely to fight for a second time in 2026.
A blockbuster showdown between Fury and Joshua was expected to take place this year, but Joshua’s boxing future is uncertain after two of his close friends were killed as passengers in a car accident in Nigeria in December.
Wardley told Sky Sports in early January that he was “very keen” to face Fury, attaching a screenshot of an excerpt from the interview he posted on Instagram on Saturday morning.
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Tyson Fury’s manager Spencer Brown reveals when he can return to the boxing ring
“Let’s see how I do in my return fight. Then in late 2026, this (Wardley) will be a good option to challenge the 3-time heavyweight champion,” Fury wrote on Instagram.
“@fabiowardley himself has some tough fights coming up soon.”
Brown revealed that Arslanbek Makhmudov is a likely opponent for Fury’s return fight.
