Newly crowned WBO Interim Heavyweight Champion Fabio Wardley says he is confident he can defeat undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk next, provided he gives him the WBO mandate following his 11th round knockout of Joseph Parker last Saturday night in London.
“His team said he would be happy to tackle the winner. I believe he is a man of his word. Hopefully, in 2026, we will see Usyk,” says Fabio Wardley Sky Sports Boxing over Oleksandr Usyk, who walked through by facing him next after his win over Joseph Parker. “I know it was commissioned by the WBO.
Usyk’s safer options: Fury or AJ
It would be a good idea for Wardley’s team to have a good plan B in case Usyk decides he’d rather not face him. From a business perspective, Usyk could make more money by fighting Fury or Anthony Joshua in a trilogy match. Those fights are more winnable for the 38-year-old Usyk, as he doesn’t have to worry about being hunted like he would be by Wardley. That talent will run through any punches Usyk throws to get to him to land his bombs.
Plan B: The Big Four Threats
Usyk has not spoken since last night’s win by Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs), but he is expected to comment soon on whether or not he will agree to face him. If not, Wardley will have to look in another direction for one ‘The Big Four’:
- Moses It will hurt
- Agit Kabayel
- Frank Sanchez
- Filip Hrgovic
ideally, Tyson Fury would come out of retirement to face Wardley, but there is only a slim chance he will. ‘The Gypsy King’ made too much money in his last two fights, and it took away any ambition he once had to continue his career.
Facing a top predator like Wardley would be a nightmare for the 37-year-old Fury. It has nothing to do with his age and growing waistline. Fury would struggle against Wardley at any age, even in his prime in 2015, when he dethroned old lion Wladimir Klitschko.
Wardley’s belief in total dominance
“It can’t be understated how good a boxer he is and how much of a talent he is, but I have confidence. I don’t care who he is. At the bottom of it, he’s just a man in the ring with two arms, the same as me. So, any man that steps in the ring with me, I can beat,” Wardley said, speaking of his faith.
Last updated on 26/10/2025
