Another high-profile heavyweight option could emerge for Tyson Fury if his long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua fails to materialize. Newly crowned WBO heavyweight titleholder Fabio Wardley has made it clear he would welcome a fight with the former WBC champion provided his preferred target remains unavailable. “I’d more than welcome it,” Wardley said on Sky Sports Boxing. “That would be a fight that I’m hugely up for. Give me a call anytime.”
Joshua–Fury Uncertainty Opens the Door
A potential Fury–Wardley clash may gain traction due to uncertainty surrounding Joshua’s immediate future. The former two-time heavyweight champion was involved in a tragic car accident last week in Nigeria. Though Joshua escaped with minor injuries, two close friends and members of his team Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele were killed in the crash.
Anthony Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) and Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) were expected to headline a Riyadh Season card later this year. Whether that plan remains viable is now unclear.
Usyk Remains the Priority
Despite his openness to a Fury fight, Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) made clear his top goal is a shot at undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
“The one I want the most is Oleksandr Usyk,” Wardley said. “I know he’s playing around with a fight with Deontay Wilder, so maybe not right now. The next best option for me would be Tyson Fury. He’s a huge name, big character in the game.”
Wardley captured the WBO interim title with an 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker on October 25 in London and was initially expected to be Usyk’s mandatory challenger. However, Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) opted to vacate the WBO belt rather than make the defense, choosing instead to pursue a bout with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
Chisora a Realistic Alternative
Wardley’s next fight could also come against veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora, who is openly targeting one final marquee bout before retirement.
“We’re having some broad conversations,” Wardley said. “I know people would love that matchup. He’s at 49 fights and wants to finish on that big 50. A world title shot is probably the best way to do that.”
Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) has repeatedly stated he plans to retire after his 50th professional fight and enters this phase riding a three-fight win streak.
From Hunter to Hunted
Regardless of which name ultimately signs on the dotted line, Wardley is embracing his new position atop the division.
“I’ve always been the one chasing and hunting for the people with world titles,” he said. “Now I’ve got one, so it makes things a little easier. I can kinda sit back. People are hunting after me.”
Whether it’s Usyk, Fury, or Chisora, Wardley suddenly finds himself holding the leverage and the heavyweight landscape may soon revolve around his next decision.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
