Who will Fabio Wardley fight next?

Wardley produced a Fight of the Year and Knockout of the Year contender in 2024 in two fights against Frazer Clarke.

Shaun Brown

Jan 03 2025

FABIO WARDLEY received an early boost to his career on New Year’s Eve.

The British heavyweight moved up five places in the WBA rankings to become the number one contender overtaking Martin Bakole who held the slot previously. It’s a steep and swift climb for the 30-year-old Ipswich native who hopes to one day fight at Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town FC.

Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBA title along with the WBC and WBO last month by beating Tyson Fury once again over 12 rounds. Usyk vs. Wardley is unlikely to happen next so who will the current British heavyweight champion face in his first fight of 2025? Boxing News looks at the options.

Jarrell Miller

The brash American was set to face Derek Chisora but promotional issues ruled him out. If that can be resolved Wardley would have a test on his hands in more ways than one. Miller cares zilch for reputations and likes to intimidate his opponents but he’s had little success of late. The Brooklyn bruiser is in need of a win and would jump at the chance to take the number one spot from Wardley.

Jermaine Franklin

Just like Pulev, British fight fans know all about Franklin, having watched him against Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua. The former was a victory that Whyte was fortunate to have. Franklin is still very much a live opponent and has won two fights in a row since the defeats to the two Brits. Franklin doesn’t offer much for Wardley, but it would be a chance to do a better job than Joshua and Whyte.

Kubrat Pulev

Usyk’s belt may be out of reach for now but the Bulgarian’s WBA ‘Regular’ belt should be a realistic target for Wardley and his promoter Frank Warren. Pulev is no stranger to fighting in the UK having fought Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora in 2020 and 2022. Now 43, Pulev is there for the taking and could be the ideal foe for Wardley.