Every now and then, a fighter appears in the world of heavyweight boxing who defies all odds. On February 15, 1978, in his eighth professional fight, Leon Spinks shocked the world and defeated Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
On June 1, 2019, Andy Ruiz Jr. he faced Anthony Joshua in Fresh York after a tiny time and defeated him by TKO in the 7th round, becoming the 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 and defeated him via 11th round TKO.
By defeating former WBO champion Parker, Wardley became the WBO interim champion and mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title. Moreover, Usyk has stated that he is willing to fight the winner of Parker vs. Wardley.
Fabio Wardley has gained a reputation as the comeback king. On June 7 of this year, Wardley fought Justis Huni. Wardley didn’t have many expert records going into the Huni fight, with Wardley knocking him out in devastating fashion in the 10th round. Similarly, ringside commentators and referees made Wardley lose to Parker on Saturday night, when Wardley landed a series of unanswered punches on the Fresh Zealander, causing the referee to stop the fight in the 11th round.
The question now is whether Fabio Wardley will manage to face the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Oleksandr Usyk, again. Experts again consider Wardley the underdog in this fight. However, the 30-year-old Briton has youth on his side. Wardley also packs a powerful punch. Just ask Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke! Additionally, Wardley never gives up, which will assist him against Usyk. Finally, Wardley has inside knowledge of Oleksandr Usyk’s boxing style, having previously been the Ukrainian’s sparring partner.
Fabio Wardley is therefore a real threat to Usyk. The World Champion would be well advised to avoid this match and withdraw if he is not 100% ready for the fire and fury Wardley will unleash on fight night. Oleksandr Usyk’s former promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, is aware of the risk Usyk would take if he fought Wardley. Krassyuk memorably said of Usyk taking this fight: “If he loses, people will only remember his defeat. Usyk’s status as undisputed and undefeated will remain with him for the rest of his days.”
Wardley wisely went on the record by stating that he is ready to fight Oleksandr Usyk at a place and date of Usyk’s choosing. Whether this fight takes place in Saudi Arabia or the UK, Usyk vs. Wardley is sure to be a fascinating fight. If this happens and Usyk loses, his legacy will obviously be tarnished. However, there will be a modern heavyweight champion of the world, and Fabio Wardley will be an silver-tongued and likable ambassador for heavyweight boxing around the world.
Go in 2026!
Romer Cherubiny
Independent journalist
Great Britain