PROMOTER Frank Warren has paid tribute to Fabio Wardley’s rise from the white-collar scene to the brink of a world title shot.
The 30-year-old Ipswich heavyweight is just 10 days away from another career-defining night when he faces Joseph Parker at London’s O2 Arena on October 25.
The WBO interim belt will be at stake, with the winner moving closer to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk – or possibly being elevated to full champion should Usyk vacate.
Wardley’s story continues to defy convention. With no amateur background, he has battled his way to the top through hard work and heavy hands. His two fights with 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke ended with a brutal draw followed by a devastating one-round rematch win that showcased Wardley’s power.
That same power saved him again against Justis Huni at Portman Road in June this year. Outboxed for long spells, the Ipswich Town fan produced a huge right hand to knock out the Australian and score one of the year’s more memorable victories.
Warren, who promotes both men in the October 25 main event, admits Wardley’s success has impressed him.
“He’s one of the nicest guys you could meet in boxing – as is Joe Parker, by the way. They’re both lovely fellas,” Warren said.
“But Fabio, you’ve got to take your hat off to him. No amateur background, gone out there and done it the hard way and beaten good fighters. He’s as tough as old boots. He’s a fighting man. Nothing fazes him, and he really does believe he’s going to win this fight. He believes in himself.”
Warren also praised both fighters for taking on such a high-risk contest when others might have chosen safer routes.
“Neither of them were prepared to sit and wait, which some fighters would do. I would advise some fighters to sometimes do that,” he said.
“We thought, if you want to be in action, why don’t you just fight each other? It’s a really good fight – a fight where the styles will gel. They’ll walk forward, and I think we’re going to get something special on the night.”
