Fabio Wardley says he hopes Oleksandr Usyk will change his mind about fighting him and call him. It is understandable why Fabio is urging Usyk to reconsider, as he would have done tens of millions challenging Usyk for the WBO belt in addition to his three other titles.
This week, on November 17, Usyk relinquished his WBO belt rather than defend it against interim champion Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs). On the same day, the WBO elevated Wardley to the new champion.
The Dubois-Hrgovic-Chisora Plan B
As the new WBO champion, Wardley’s chances for a big payday along the lines of what he would have gotten fighting Usyk are limited. These are the three names floated for Farbio’s first title defense:
- Daniel Dubois
- Filip Hrgovic
- Derek Chisora
Turki factor: Will he step in?
If Turki Alalshikh was involved, a fight against Dubois would bring in massive money for the 30-year-old Wardley. It’s doubtful he will, though, as this isn’t a huge marquee fight. Dubois made a fortune in his last fight against Usyk, earning an estimated $71 million. A fight between Fabio and Oleksandr is likely to generate more interest due to Wardley’s communication skills.
Wardley knocked out WBO interim champion Joseph Parker in the 11th round on 25 October 2025 in London. At the time, the win put Fabio next in line to challenge Usyk for his WBO belt.
Why Usyk evacuated instead
Oleksandr’s decision to vacate the title was seen as a business move on his part, as he could earn more money defending against Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury in 2026 if either of those two chose to face him.
AJ’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has already said that he wants to fight for a world title in 2026 after canceling his “run-out” fight against Jake Paul on December 19, 2025. It is still unclear whether Fury will come out of retirement to try to avenge his two losses against Usyk. He still seems bitter about his defeats and complains about how he felt he won both.
“I would pick Oleksandr Usyk. It would be the fight I would want. It was a fight I wanted,” Fabio Wardley said Sky Sports News, questioning Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his WBO title rather than defend it against him.
“That was where me and my team were aiming. That was where our sights were headed after we finished our fight on October 25 (against Joseph Parker) after we won and got the (WBO) interim,” says Fabio.
Wardley would have made an absolute fortune fighting Usyk. The money he would have earned would have made him a rich man. It’s understandable why Fabio is disappointed that Usyk chose to vacate his WBO belt rather than face him.
“Reconsider, Oleksandr”
“We were all ready for that fight, and of course the main man (Usyk) himself. If he looks or his team looks, maybe a little rethinking and maybe call me, and we can work something out,” Wardley said.
Usyk’s risk-reward math
I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were Wardley waiting for Usyk to change his mind about his disinterest in fighting him. It’s a bad style matchup for him to go up against a young, big puncher with power and a steel chin.
Usyk could lose to Wardley and end his career on a sour note. Not only does Usyk have a better chance of beating the aging Joshua and Fury, but the money will be much better.
Last updated on 20/11/2025
