In an exciting turn of events, Fabio Wardley has expressed a strong desire to face Anthony Joshua in an all-British showdown for the WBO heavyweight title. Wardley stated that he would "happily welcome" the opportunity to defend his newly-acquired title against Joshua as he contemplates his first title defense.
Wardley ascended to the position of WBO champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to vacate the belt, opting not to defend it against the undefeated 30-year-old fighter. He earned the interim WBO title and secured a chance to fight Usyk following a remarkable 11th-round knockout victory over Joseph Parker at The O2 in October, a win that not only showcased his skills but also solidified his status in the heavyweight division.
During an interview with Sky Sports, Wardley was asked whether he would be interested in taking on Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, in what would potentially be his first title defense set for early 2026. His enthusiasm was palpable as he responded, "It would be a fight I'd take and I'd happily welcome." This comment came before rumors surfaced about Joshua's potential match against Tyson Fury in Riyadh next year. Additionally, there are reports indicating that both Fury and Joshua may have separate fights lined up in 2026 as part of the Riyadh Season, which could open the door for a future clash with Wardley.
Wardley emphasized his ambition to compete against the top names in the heavyweight division, stating, "Even though I'm obviously at the top now, I still want to face the best guys out there, whether that's AJ, Usyk, or whoever it may be. I just want to be in big, competitive fights. I'm happy to take on all comers in that aspect." This demonstrates his determination to challenge himself against the elite fighters in his weight class.
When discussing potential venues for a match with Joshua, Wardley noted that while Portman Road, his home turf where he triumphed over Justis Huni in June, holds sentimental value, Wembley Stadium would be a compelling choice. Joshua has previously fought three heavyweight title bouts at Wembley, achieving victories over notable opponents like Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin, although he suffered a loss to Daniel Dubois during his last appearance there in September 2024.
Wardley quipped, "To have AJ strutting about Portman Road would be quite an interesting one. I don't know if he's ever been to Ipswich in his life." He further reflected, "I would say Wembley, just because I've done Portman Road. That's not to say I'm done and dusted and would never go back. But at this stage, I'd like to keep trying different venues, ticking off more places on the bucket list. It's not got much on Portman Road, but it's not a bad one at all."
The prospect of this fight has stirred excitement among boxing fans, raising questions about the future landscape of the heavyweight division. Who do you think would come out on top in a matchup between these two fighters? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
