Every now and again in world heavyweight boxing, a fighter comes along and defies the odds. On 15 February 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 01 June 2019, Andy Ruiz Jr. took on 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 25 October 2025, Fabio Wardley fought Joseph Parker at The O2 Arena in London, England, and beat him by TKO in the 11th round.
By beating former WBO Champion Parker, Wardley has become the WBO Interim Champion and mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO title. Furthermore, Usyk has stated that he is willing to fight the winner of Parker vs. Wardley next.
Fabio Wardley has established somewhat of a reputation for himself as a comeback king. On 07 June this year, Wardley fought Justis Huni. Wardley was down on many pundits’ scorecards against Huni, when Wardley knocked him out in devastating fashion in the 10th round. Similarly, commentators at ringside and the judges had Wardley losing against Parker on Saturday night, when Wardley unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches against the New Zealander, resulting in the referee stopping the fight in the 11th round.
The question now is whether Fabio Wardley can pull off another upset against the Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk. Pundits again have Wardley as an underdog coming into this fight. However, the 30-year-old Briton has youth on his side. Wardley also has a ferocious punch. Just ask Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke! In addition, Wardley has a never-give-up attitude, which will stand him in good stead against Usyk. Finally, Wardley has insider knowledge of Oleksandr Usyk’s style of boxing, having been a sparring partner for the Ukrainian previously.
Fabio Wardley, therefore, 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 Wardley will bring on fight night. Oleksandr Usyk’s former promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, recognizes the risk that Usyk would be taking if he fights Wardley. Krassyuk has memorably said about Usyk taking this fight: “If he loses, people will remember his loss only. The status of Usyk being undisputed and being unbeaten will stay with him until the end of his days.”
Wardley has sensibly gone on the record, stating that he is willing to fight Oleksandr Usyk at a location and date of Usyk’s choosing. Whether this fight happens in Saudi Arabia or the UK, Usyk vs. Wardley is sure to be a fascinating matchup. If it takes place and Usyk loses, his legacy will, of course, be tarnished. There will, however, be a new World Heavyweight Champion, and Fabio Wardley would be an articulate and likable ambassador for Heavyweight boxing around the world.
Roll on 2026!
Romer Cherubim
Freelance journalist
UK