Every now and then in world heavyweight boxing a fighter comes along and defies the odds. On February 15, 1978 and in only his eighth professional fight, Leon Spinks shocked the world and beat Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas to become World Heavyweight Champion.
On June 1, 2019, Andy Ruiz Jr. Anthony Joshua in New York City on minimal notice and beat him by TKO in the 7th round to become WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO World Heavyweight Champion. Now, on October 25, 2025, Fabio Wardley fought Joseph Parker at The O2 Arena in London, England, beating him by TKO in the 11th round.
By beating former WBO champion Parker, Wardley became the WBO interim champion and mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title. Furthermore, Usyk stated that he is willing to fight the winner of Parker vs. Wardley to fight.
Fabio Wardley has established something of a reputation for himself as a comeback king. Wardley fought Justis Huni on June 7 this year. Wardley was weak on many pundits’ scorecards against Huni, when Wardley knocked him out in devastating fashion in the 10th round. Similarly, ringside commentators and the judges had Wardley lose to Parker on Saturday night, when Wardley unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches on the New Zealander, prompting the referee to stop the fight in the 11th round.
The question now is whether Fabio Wardley can pull off another upset against undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Pundits again have Wardley as an underdog coming into this fight. However, the 30-year-old Brit has youth on his side. Wardley also packs a vicious punch. Just ask Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke! Plus, Wardley has a never-give-up attitude, which will stand him in good stead against Usyk. Finally, Wardley has inside knowledge of Oleksandr Usyk’s style of boxing, having previously been a sparring partner for the Ukrainian.
So Fabio Wardley poses a real threat to Usyk. The World Champion would be well advised to avoid this encounter and retire if he is not 100% ready for the fire and fury that Wardley will bring on fight night. Oleksandr Usyk’s former promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, acknowledges the risk Usyk would be taking if he fought Wardley. Krassyuk memorably said of Usyk taking this fight: “If he loses, people will only remember his loss. The status of Usyk being undisputed and undefeated will stay with him until the end of his days.”
Wardley wisely went on the record saying that he is willing to fight Oleksandr Usyk at a place and date of Usyk’s choosing. Whether this fight takes place in Saudi Arabia or the United Kingdom, Usyk vs. Wardley is sure to be a fascinating fixture. If that happens and Usyk loses, his legacy will obviously be tarnished. However, there will be a new World Heavyweight Champion, and Fabio Wardley will be an eloquent and likable ambassador for heavyweight boxing around the world.
On to 2026!
Roman Cherubim
Freelance journalist
UK
