Fans await Fabio Wardley’s return to the ring, this time as world heavyweight champion.
The Ipswich knockout artist won the interim WBO belt last year with a late stoppage of Joseph Parker. When undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk decided not to honour his mandatory obligations, the belt was declared vacant and Wardley upgraded to full titleholder with the sanctioning body.
Though he didn’t win the belt in the ring, it’s a fairytale story for Wardley, who has consistently proved himself at each point of asking, more often than not against the odds. He has made it clear to fans that he intends to continue down the rocky path of tough fights, and is now closing in on what will be his first defence of the belt.
Going for undisputed against Usyk still seems a way away, if likely at all, and a fight with Derek Chisora fell through when the heavyweight veteran instead opted to face Deontay Wilder. With other solid names in the top fifteen to choose from, Wardley’s team are keen to announce something for late April or May.
Speaking to Sky Sports, manager Michael ‘Magic’ Ofo said that a clash with Daniel Dubois is on the table.
“As for Daniel Dubois, clearly that’s a fight that Fabio would be well up for. There’s nothing like an all-British showdown for the world heavyweight title!”
Dubois, now back with former trainer Don Charles, lost his IBF world title to Usyk last year, stopped in the fifth round of the undisputed fight. He has made it clear that the goal is to become a two-time world champion, and his team have expressed a keen interest in Wardley.
Fans would welcome the bout with open arms – an all-British domestic affair with two of the division’s biggest punchers.
