‘Danger man’ Wardley ‘1,000%’ wants Usyk next

Fabio Wardley from England claims he is the «dangerous contender» in heavyweight boxing and has called on undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk to fight him next.

The 30-year-old Wardley defeated Joseph Parker of New Zealand in the 11th round at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday.

The fighter from Ipswich is now the WBO’s top contender for Usyk’s title.

«1,000%, there is no other opponent I desire next,» Wardley mentioned in an interview with BBC Sport.

«According to WBO regulations, the winner [of Parker-Wardley] is obligated to challenge Oleksandr Usyk, and I trust he will keep his word.»

A stadium battle in the UK is being considered for next year, and Wardley anticipates talks to commence shortly.

«The timing and place are up to [Usyk]. In the end, he is the primary figure in this,» Wardley stated.

«He can choose the venue – I have no objections. Just inform me of the time, date, and location, and I will be there.»

This matchup could become one of the most unforeseen heavyweight title matches in recent history – a true underdog narrative.

The generational talent Usyk, who boasts a perfect record of 24 professional victories, is widely regarded as the premier pound-for-pound boxer. He is an Olympic gold medalist and a former undisputed cruiserweight champion.

In contrast, Wardley only took up boxing at the age of 20. He emerged from the unregulated white-collar boxing scene while employed in recruitment and, lacking amateur experience, has had to develop his skills professionally on the job.

«I am the threat in the division right now. I’m the one that everyone overlooks, the one that everyone undervalues,» Wardley added.

«I wouldn’t want [Usyk] to fall into that category as well, so he should accept the challenge.»

Wardley, who remains unbeaten, has established his name with an impressive knockout rate of 19 stoppages in 20 victories.

While some believed the fight against Parker ended too soon, Wardley has backed referee Howard Foster’s call.

«I believe it was completely justified,» he explained. «You need to take care of yourself and demonstrate to the referee that you are still actively competing.»

Wardley would think about a rematch with former champion Parker down the line, but asserts that his priority now is to become the first British four-belt undisputed heavyweight world champion.

Many of his fellow countrymen have struggled against Usyk. Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois have all been defeated by him twice, while Derek Chisora and Tony Bellew have also come up short.

However, Wardley – who would be seen as a significant underdog – believes his unpredictable, untamed approach could rattle Usyk in ways that others could not.

«The fighters who have faced him have been standard. They came from traditional boxing backgrounds and executed strategies in a very conventional manner,» said Wardley.

«I am unpredictable. I perform actions that defy the norm, which could disrupt his flow.»

Promoter Frank Warren has mentioned that Wardley might be elevated from WBO ‘interim’ to full champion if Usyk opts to relinquish his titles.

While Wardley would view himself as a genuine champion in such a scenario, he emphasizes his desire to claim the title through a bout with Usyk.

The two have trained together previously. In 2018, Wardley replied to an «obscure Facebook message» from Usyk’s team and went to Kyiv to spar with the then-cruiserweight champion.

«I recall being overwhelmed quite a bit, to be honest. I was quite inexperienced, and even back then he had an impressive amount of experience and boxing intelligence,» Wardley remembered.

Seven years later, however, he is not intending to just fill a spot.

He remarked: «I would invest everything I possess into this. If it all unfolds as planned, one way or another, Oleksandr Usyk will realize he has fought Fabio Wardley.»