ONCE upon a time, it seemed inconceivable that Fabio Wardley, a former white collar campaigner, would be anywhere near the conversation to face heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. And yet, at every turn, Wardley continues to take the critics’ objections and forcibly tear them up in dramatic fashion.
The 10th-round sliding doors knockout of Justis Huni at Portman Road kept the Fabio freight on course. Step forward Joseph Parker, ticking along while he waited for his own Usyk blessing, expected by many to sweep aside the Ipswich man.
Despite referee Howard Foster’s untimely intervention last night in London, Wardley has earned his stripes. Suddenly, a Usyk request doesn’t seem as far-fetched for the man newly-installed as WBO mandatory.
Speaking to DAZN’s in-ring interviewer, Ade Oladipo, after stopping Parker in round 11, Wardley hollered: “Look Ade. I’ve got one thing only to say. Uuuusssyyyk. Uuuusssyyyk.”
“And you’ll get Oleksandr Usyk as well,” responded Oladipo, as a matter of fact, although let’s not count those chickens just yet.
While Usyk’s smaller frame and legendary movement cause no end of issues for all comers, it was apparent that Joseph Parker came in too heavy against Wardley and paid the price by becoming a more static target at the end.
Parker didn’t get his overdue shot at Usyk simply because he wasn’t exciting or marketable enough. Wardley brings both of those things to the table. His unorthodox style and unique brand of boxing have pulled him towards a higher ceiling.
A shot at undisputed glory or even a big payday versus Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois or a returning Tyson Fury. The Parker rematch is also drifting in the background now, given the contentious finish.
While Usyk would likely tame Fabio with comparative ease, given the Ukrainian’s vast skillset, the chance to earn a huge, life-changing payday is a lot more realistic after events in the O2.
