Tyson Fury is only just back to training after a year out but could soon be entering the ring for a world title fight.
Fury retired in January 2025 following his second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk. Before that, he had ruled as the WBC champion following an impressive pair of knockout victories over Deontay Wilder and defences against the likes of Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.
Many had hope he would line up a much anticipated showdown with long-time British rival Anthony Joshua this year, but first he will likely need at least one tune-up fight.
However, it has now been revealed that another Brit has thrown his name into the hat and is extremely keen to fight ‘The Gypsy King.’
Speaking to Sky Sports, Fabio Wardley confirmed he would be up for defending his WBO strap against Fury.
“It was good [to be named on Tyson Fury’s hit list] because he was already on mine. It makes no difference to me. Look, it’s something I’d be really keen for because I’m not shying away from big fights.
“I haven’t got a world title just to take easy fights and hold onto it, and hide away with it. I’m not going to run off with my belt and not offer it out to anyone. The biggest names out there are the guys I want to be in fights with.
“I think being open [to negotiations] might be a bit of an understatement. I’d be extremely keen to see if he’s genuine about it or not.
“He may be looking at it like it might be an easy touch for him to roll out of retirement, come into a fight, pick up a world title and go on to bigger things, but as fighters of late have found out, I’m quite the banana skin.”
Last year, Wardley beat both Justis Huni and Joseph Parker despite being down on the cards. He snatched victory in both contests by landing some late power shots to secure knockout wins that meant he was then elevated to full WBO champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated his belt rather than face his mandatory.
