FABIO WARDLEY is dreaming of springing a surprise on undisputed heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.
Back in 2018, the Ipswich heavyweight was an unknown novice who travelled to Ukraine to spar the Olympic golden boy.
GettyFabio Wardley is one big punch away from a date with Oleksandr Usyk[/caption]
GettyUsyk and Wardley sparred together in Ukraine[/caption]
But a win for the 30-year-old over former world champ Joseph Parker on October 25 will make him the mandatory challenger for two of the four belts held by sensational southpaw Usyk.
He told SunSport: “It was a funny conversation I had with my team.
“I am one punch away from potentially fighting Oleksandr Usyk for one or all of the belts.
“I think I had only been a pro for about two years when I got the Facebook message and invite to fly out there and spar him.
“It would probably be funny from his perspective too, to look across the ring one night and see me and think, ‘I recognise him.’”
Wardley and Parker could both have taken easier fights while they wait for Usyk to decide his next move.
But they’ve both bravely signed up to give UK fight fans an O2 thriller, at a time when most big fights are heading to Saudi Arabia.
Wardley added: “It’s a testament to both our characters.
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“We are of a similar mindset.
“We could have both sat on the sidelines and bided our time.
“But ring rust is a horrible thing.
“And I want to make the most of all the opportunities that I’ve made possible.
“I want world titles but I also want to give my fans great fights and nights.”
GettyWardley and Joseph Parker will face off at the O2 on October 25[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
