Fabio Wardley Addresses Usyk’s decision to vacate and welcomes potential all-British fight

Oleksandr Usyk recently vacated his WBO heavyweight title after the governing body ordered him to face interim title holder Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs), who forced himself into the mandatory position, when he stopped Joseph Parker on October 25. 

After Usyk’s decision to vacate, Wardley spoke to Sky Sports, revealing his thoughts on the decision, while welcoming a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua.

Fabio Wardley reacts to Usyk vacating the WBO title

Following Usyk’s decision to vacate, Wardley was elevated to WBO champion. When speaking to Sky Sports, Wardley was asked if he understood Usyk’s decision:

“I don’t know what he may be planning for himself, whether that be retirement, whether it be a different fight, whether it be another alternative.

“It was a bit of a strange one, because initially he took a bit of a break. He was allowed an absence, an extension on the belt, and then to give it up just seems a bit of a strange move.

“I’m not too sure what he was thinking.”

Fabio Wardley welcomes Anthony Joshua fight

Fabio Wardley is expected to defend his WBO title in early 2026. The Ipswich man made it clear he’s prepared to face anyone and would welcome a fight against Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs):

“I’m open to all opportunities, all comers, all fighters,” he said.

“One thing I’ve always had through my career is the mantra of never shying away or backing down, always taking on the biggest next fight, and if that would be him [Joshua] then it would be a pleasure to do so.”

Whether Fabio Wardley vs Anthony Joshua happens relies heavily on what Joshua shows in his highly anticipated comeback fight against Jake Paul on December 19.

Wardley’s rise has been nothing short of a fairytale, but he, like any other fighter, will want to win the title in the ring against whoever he faces next.