An undefeated heavyweight has decided to vacate his title in order to pursue ‘bigger opportunities’.
British champion Fabio Wardley has confirmed he has vacated the title which he has held since 2022 when he stopped Nathan Gorman in the third round. The 30-year-old from Ipswich has secured victories over the likes of Eric Molina, David Adeleye and Frazer Clarke since making his debut back in 2017.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Wardley admitted that although he has enjoyed his reign on the domestic stage, he now feels ready to make the step up and push towards the world scene.
“It has been a privilege to hold onto the belts for as long as I have. I’ve had some fantastic fights contending for the title, some fights that have really done that prestigious belt justice and honour.
I just feel like at this point in my career it’s time for me to let it go because I have other opportunities awaiting me, bigger opportunities, on the world stage. And also it’s time for me to move on because it’s time for the next crop of heavyweights to get their chance and have their go and create their own legacy.
Also, I feel like I’ve done what I needed to do at British level so why hang around? I’m ready for the world scene now.“
Speaking to talkSPORT about the Brit’s next contest, his promoter Frank Warren teased that a ‘very big fight’ is on the horizon.
“We’ll be announcing his next fight next week but he’s got a very, very, big fight coming up.”
It had been expected that Wardley would face WBA Regular Champion Kubrat Pulev next after the fight was ordered by the governing body. However, whilst that clash remains on the table, reports have recently surfaced that he could face a big name American heavyweight instead.
