Fabio Wardley is full of confidence as he chases big fights this year, including one with unified ruler Oleksandr Usyk.
Last year saw the Ipswich man quickly rise to the top, first with a late stoppage of Justis Huni, and then with a knockout of former belt holder Joseph Parker, despite him falling behind on the cards in the early and mid rounds of both fights.
Wardley was then promoted to WBO champion when Usyk vacated his belt rather than face him as mandatory, but the big puncher from Britain still wants that fight for a chance to become undisputed, as the Ukrainian still holds the other three major belts.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Wardley explained why he thinks he would succeed against Usyk, where his countrymen Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Derek Chisora and Daniel Dubois have not.
“I think I just offer something a bit different. I think I offer something unconventional. It’s hard to say with someone like Oleksandr Usyk, that I can offer something he hasn’t seen. There is a rhythm to boxing, a way of doing things that is to-and-fro, almost like a dance of steps and how things should be.
“Then a character like me, someone who comes in such an unorthodox way from an unorthodox background, kind of throws a spanner in the works and throws it off that rhythm. I think that’s what I have a good chance of doing. Along with a strong heavy right hand as well, and good stamina. One way or another, Usyk will know he’s been in the fight.”
Wardley has not yet got his next fight date locked in, which will be a voluntary defence against a mid to top level heavyweight. Should he keep hold of his belt, he has welcomed a fight with Tyson Fury later in the year.
As for Usyk, recent talks with Deontay Wilder have come to nothing, as the American instead targets a fight with Chisora. The Ukrainian great, therefore, is left still looking for his next defence.
