For many people, Oleksandr Usyk sits at the very top of the pound-for-pound list, and has become the top target in the heavyweight division after securing undisputed status for a second time.
The Ukrainian southpaw has achieved things no other man in the sport has managed during the four-belt era by becoming a three-time undisputed champion across two weight divisions at heavyweight and cruiserweight.
However, Usyk is now approaching 40 and may have just one or two fights left, including a potential match-up with Jake Paul in MMA. Should he go by the sanctioning bodies’ mandatory rotation, he will next face the winner of Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley.
Speaking to Ring Magazine, former British and Commonwealth champion Wardley said he welcomes the ‘huge opportunity.’
“Yeah, it goes without saying, doesn’t it? [The Usyk fight is] a huge fight, huge moment, huge opportunity.”
He did then say that, although he is keen on the fight, he remains focused on his next fight with Parker.
“It’s definitely not taking a large portion of my focus right now. Its nice to sit it in the back of my mind and know it’s there but it’s not something I’m playing around with much.”
New Zealand’s Parker – a former WBO champion and seasoned operator with many years of experience – represents a big step up for Wardley. In recent years the Brit has faced Frazer Clarke twice, the first being a 12-round war culminating in a draw, though the rematch saw Wardley win by brutal KO inside the first round.
Last time out, the 30-year-old from Ipswich was looking to be heading to a points defeat before he scored another sensational knockout win over Justis Huni, proving that his equaliser is dangerous throughout. He faces off with Parker on October 25 at London’s O2 Arena, and the winner will either face Usyk or become world champion should the Ukrainian vacate the WBO belt.
