Fabio Wardley wants to chase a full heavyweight unification with Oleksandr Usyk after his upcoming fight with Daniel Dubois.
Wardley was promoted to WBO champion when Usyk vacated that belt, but he still has his sights set on the fighter who currently holds the WBA, WBC and IBF straps. Usyk remains unbeaten, is an Olympic gold medallist and has been an undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
A former ‘white collar’ boxer who had no amateur pedigree, Wardley has climbed the professional ranks quickly. He believes his atypical style could present a different challenge for Usyk. Wardley says many approaches have already been tried against Usyk – the unorthodox angle of Tyson Fury and the well-drilled strength of fighters like Anthony Joshua or Dubois – so he sees himself as a potential curveball who might force Usyk to adapt.
First, though, Wardley must get past domestic rival Daniel Dubois, a dangerous puncher who brutally knocked out Joshua in 2024. Wardley is defending his WBO title and has been clear about his ambition to collect more belts: he sees this fight as a statement and is not planning to stop at a single championship.
Wardley also stresses that he holds himself to the highest standard and thrives under pressure. He describes a relentless, no-quit mentality and says whether he enters a fight as favourite or underdog it does not change his commitment to making it work and succeeding.
Dubois says he has moved on from past setbacks, including his loss to Usyk, viewing them as learning experiences. He insists he is focused on the next fight, calls this world-title opportunity the pinnacle and the biggest moment for him and his team, and says he feels alive in pressure situations and is ready for the challenge.
Watch Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki on June 6 live on Sky Sports.