In his last four fights, Fabio Wardley has proved not only that he belongs near the top of the heavyweight division, but that he is knocking on the door of a life-changing opportunity.
The 31-year-old was involved in a British title barnstormer with Frazer Clarke, delivered a conclusive and brutal finish in the rematch, knocked out Justis Huni while on the brink of defeat and then stopped former world champion Joseph Parker.
The cherry on top came on November 17, when Wardley was elevated from WBO interim titlist to full world champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt. Now one of boxing’s must-see attractions, the British heavyweight awaits news of his first title defence — and a former world champion has already identified an opponent who could change Wardley’s life overnight.
Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, now a pundit with DAZN, told Carl Froch on Froch On Fighting that a clash with Tyson Fury would make sense.
“I’d love to see him against Tyson Fury. Gets a lot of money. Tyson Fury’s not the biggest puncher. He’s a big, heavy, strong guy, but he can be hit. Fabio Wardley can bang. If Francis Ngannou can push you close, then so can Fabio Wardley. I wouldn’t mind seeing that.”
Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) made headlines this month when he announced his comeback to boxing after 12 months out of the ring. The 37-year-old’s last victory came in 2023 against former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou, though not before the MMA star dropped Fury in the third round and took him the 10-round distance, eventually losing on a split decision.
Since then, Fury has suffered back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk but has made clear his intention to return as a three-time heavyweight champion — a goal that may require him to go through Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) to achieve it.
