The boxing world has spent the last few weeks debating Fabio Wardley‘s chances against Oleksandr Usyk.
Wardley has become the frontrunner to take on the undisputed heavyweight champion next after claiming an 11th round TKO victory over Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in October.
It was the latest come-from-behind victory for the Ipswich man, having been down on the cards before finding the stoppage, just as he had done back in June against Justis Huni.
A bout against Usyk presents a much bigger challenge still, with the Ukrainian having defeated all comers in his career, including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, all on two occasions.
Another man that he has beaten is veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora. The fan-favourite Brit has sparred Wardley in the past, so is very well placed to offer his thoughts on how a potential clash between the two fighters may play out.
Speaking to The Sun, Chisora feels it would be a straightforward victory for Usyk, backing him to get the job done quickly.
“Usyk will have him out of there in less than six rounds. Because Usyk will make him work when he doesn’t want to work. He is a beast. He has to be much fitter than he is right now. There’s no boxing skills with Usyk, you have to be fit.
“You have to stay with him. He’s making you move, making you work, making you think, zapping your energy. One minute he’s here, next minute he’s there.”
Though the fight has been ordered, there is still a general feeling that Usyk may instead vacate the WBO belt rather than honour the mandatory challenge, meaning Wardley would be upgraded to full champion. If that is not the case, and the bout goes ahead, it is like to be monthly into 2026 before fans see it happen.
Chisora himself is currently plotting his return, which was expected to come against previous foe Dillian Whyte in December, but their trilogy bout has now seemingly fallen through, certainly for the planned December date.
