THE future of unbeaten British heavyweight Fabio Wardley looks to have become a bit clearer following a resolution from the World Boxing Association (WBA).
Wardley, 18-0-1 (17 KOs), is currently the number one contender but a shot at champion Oleksandr Usyk seems a bit off after the WBA granted the Ukrainian a 24-month period from fulfilling a mandatory defence.
As for why the extension was given the WBA referred to Usyk’s triumph over Anthony Joshua to become WBA champion in 2021, winning the rematch in 2022, defending the title against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois in 2023 and back to back wins against Tyson Fury.
“Usyk has been involved in highly significant fights for boxing, marking a new era in the sport,” they wrote.
“For this reason, the Championship Committee, based on the internal regulations and the current global boxing landscape, has focused on fostering high-quality fights through activity and competition. This is why his mandatory defence period has been extended, allowing him the flexibility to seek the best possible matchups.”
Kubrat Pulev, the WBA’s Regular Champion, has, however, been ordered to make his own mandatory defence against Wardley. The 43-year-old Bulgarian beat Mahmoud Charr in December to win his first belt since becoming a two-time European heavyweight champion in 2016 where Pulev, 32-3 (14 KOs), narrowly beat Derek Chisora.
The mandatory defence period begins today (March 5) and concludes on April 4. Should Pulev-Wardley be made then the winner must fight number three contender Michael Hunter in another mandatory defence within 120 days of that bout.
Wardley, who signed for Queensberry Promotions last August, spent his 2024 fighting Frazer Clarke. Their first encounter ended in a draw after 12 scintillating rounds but the rematch was far shorter with Wardley getting the job done in less than three minutes. The Ipswich fighter’s next move has been subject to speculation, particularly after his rise to number one WBA contender. It seems now, though, that a fight against Pulev looks like the next step up for the former British champion.
