Fabio Wardley has responded to the flaw that Oleksandr Usyk picked out in his skill set following his stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois earlier in the year.
Wardley famously turned professional with very little amateur experience and just a number of white-collar fights under his belt. As such it has been said that he lacks some of the boxing fundamentals of many pros, but what he has in spades is plenty of heart, power and a solid chin.
However, that was all pushed to the limit and beyond when he stepped up to defend his WBO title against ‘DDD’ back in April. Although he started well and had his fellow Brit down twice early, Dubois drew on his considerable experience and turned the fight in his favour with his solid jab and big right hand, eventually breaking Wardley down and stopping him in the 11th round.
That led to former undisputed cruiserweight champion turned two-time undisputed heavyweight king Usyk pointing out what he thinks is lacking in Wardley’s game by saying, “Fabio, where is jab? Fabio, never jab.”
Speaking to DAZN Boxing, Wardley responded to the comments with plenty of respect.
“With all he’s done, all he’s achieved with his background, you can’t dismiss what he’s saying but also I’m not him. I haven’t had the schooling he’s had, the background he’s had, the timing he’s had. Mr Usyk, I’m working on my jab… I promise! I will try and do better for you.”
Wardley will get the chance to show the world how he responds to the first defeat of his career when he rematches Dubois at The O2 in London on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
