The situation of the heavyweight division suggests that Wardley is closer to the “Big 3” than many expected a year ago. Yet his path to Usyk, Fury or Joshua is paved with high-risk opposition that could derail those plans before they even materialize.
Wardley can’t get to that three without first going through Daniel Dubois. They fight on May 9. As Wardley is now the full WBO heavyweight champion (after Usyk vacates the belt in late 2025), this is his first major defense.
Dubois has already fought Usyk and AJ, so he represents the literal “gatekeeper” to that elite level. If Wardley loses here, his leverage for a mega-fight evaporates.
“I want the Usyk fight, and I want people like Tyson Fury and AJ. The big three I call them in the sport,” Wardley told Eze Talk. “I look up in terms of people holding world titles. I look up in terms of people who have multiple world titles.”
There is actually a direct line to Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk recently revealed a three-fight plan before retirement: 1. A crossover match against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 23. 2. The winner of Wardley vs. Dubois, and 3. a trilogy/final career match with Tyson Fury.
Wardley has the best chance to get this particular name if he makes a statement against Dubois.
A “Battle of Britain” between Wardley and Fury would be an easy sell for Wembley Stadium. However, Fury’s schedule is notoriously unpredictable. Unless Wardley remains champion and a mandatory position is forced, Fury usually prioritizes the biggest possible names (Usyk/AJ) over rising title holders.
Joshua is currently rebuilding and looking for a way back to a world title. As Wardley holds the WBO belt, he is a natural target. This is probably the most “doable” fight of the three if the promotional teams (Queensberry and Matchroom) can play nice.
Wardley claims he is not looking at Moses Itauma, but he may not have a choice. Itauma is the WBO #1 contender and fights Jermaine Franklin today, March 28th. If Itauma wins convincingly, the WBO will eventually call for a mandatory defense. Wardley’s “separate paths” argument only works as long as the sanctioning bodies allow it.
Can he find them? Yes, but only on one condition: he must beat Daniel Dubois in May.
Wardley was the “underdog” who kept winning, from the Joseph Parker knockout to being promoted to champion. If he takes out Dubois, he becomes the most valuable “dance partner” in the UK, and at least one of the ‘Big 3’ will have to answer the phone.
