From white-collar fighter to world-title contender, Fabio Wardley has continued to impress after dispatching of Olympic medallist Frazer Clarke in just one round in their rematch this year, following a split-decision draw when the pair first met. New WBA Heavyweight rankings now reveal that Fabio Wardley next fight may well be for a world title.
The WBA recently released their new rankings, with Fabio Wardley taking the top spot. As the number one contender, Wardley sits below only Oleksandr Usyk, who retained the WBA title after defeating Tyson Fury for the second time in December, and Kubrat Pulev, who holds the WBA Regular world title after beating Mahmoud Charr on points at the end of 2024.
Fabio Wardley Next Fight – World Title shot?
Though many would argue Wardley is not ready for Oleksandr Usyk, especially given his lack of amateur pedigree, having only had four white-collar bouts before joining the professional ranks, most would agree that Pulev is a good contender for Fabio Wardley next fight.
Though Pulev is getting on in age, he is a seasoned veteran of the sport and would be a good name on Wardley’s resume. Despite Pulev’s vast experience, Wardley’s age and power would have to make him the favourite – and would be a great route to a world title, albeit the Regular belt.
This would be a possible first step to fighting for a full world title, with Frank Warren suggesting Wardley vs Dubois would be a big fight, once it’s been built up to and promoted. Dubois is set to fight Joseph Parker in February to defend his IBF crown, after a dominant performance against Anthony Joshua at Wembley.
One obstacle to this fight may be Moses Itauma. The 20-year-old prospect, also promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry, has been touted as the next big thing in the heavyweight division, and the one to beat Mike Tyson’s record of being the youngest heavyweight world champion. With only four months to reach this goal, Warren may fast-track Itauma to the Pulev fight, in order to beat this record and make Itauma a household name.
This would, of course, mean Wardley will need to find another route to a world title. It is unclear who the opponent will be for Fabio Wardley next fight, though it is clear that as the WBA Number one contender, some sort of title shot is imminent for the Ipswich fighter.
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