Talk to iFL TV, Frank Warren mentioned Fabio Wardley as his boxer of the year, basing the selection on progression rather than promotion. Warren’s words were precise, not inflated. “No amateur experience and he is world champion and on a bona fide basis,” he said. In a heavyweight division littered with alphabet shortcuts, that phrasing mattered.
Wardley’s 2025 arc closed with a recognized belt and a win over a Joseph Parker, directly below Oleksandr Usyk. He entered that fight as the betting outsider. From three feet from the apron the detail was in his restraint. The jab was short and repeatable, not thrown to impress, rather used to manage distance and keep his feet under him. When pressure arrived early, he didn’t widen his stance or rush counters. He absorbed, recovered and kept his balance.
“He beat a guy who’s number two to Usyk and was a big favorite going into that fight, so I think he’s had a tremendous year,” Warren said.
Technical growth under live fire
Wardley’s lack of amateur pedigree still shows in places. His foot placement remains narrow and his exits can be square when rushed. What has changed is his proprioception under stress. Against the opponent ranked by Usyk, his high-guard effectiveness intensified toward the middle rounds, forearms angled inward, elbows pinched, reducing clean lanes to the top. The bodywork landed with a dull thud, thrown without excessive commitment, allowing him to stay close enough to cut off the ring.
This development has in the Justi Huni fight, which tested different mechanics. Huni’s quicker lead hand and lateral movement forced Wardley to adjust his pursuit. He shortened his stride, grabbed the front shoulder at the entrance, and began setting up a check-left hook once Huni’s rhythm slowed. Those adjustments didn’t come between camps. They arrived between rounds. It matters.
Context, Belts and Realist Inquiry
Warren’s praise deserves attention because of his history with heavyweight titles. He’s seen belts move faster than fighters mature. Wardley’s case reads cleaner. The opponents are ranked. The fights were competitive. The outcomes were settled in the ring, not in a boardroom. Calling the year “a tremendous” one, Warren tipped his hat to the journey. The restraint in tone is consistent with the testimony.
Warren now opens the year in Manchester with his “Magnificent 7” card, headlined by Moses It will hurt against Jermaine Franklinwhich marks its 45th year as a licensed promoter.
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Last updated on 01/03/2026
