Fabio Wardley: British heavyweight urges Oleksandr Usyk to accept the challenge

Wardley, who is still undefeated, has built his reputation on a devastating knockout record of 19 stoppages in 20 victories.

While some felt the bout against Parker was stopped prematurely, Wardley defended referee Howard Foster’s decision.

“I think it was completely fair,” he said. “You have a duty of care to protect yourself and show that you are still in the fight to rule.”

Wardley may consider a rematch with former world champion Parker in the future, but says his focus now is firmly on becoming Britain’s first undisputed world heavyweight champion with four belts.

Many of his compatriots failed to beat Usyk. Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois have all lost twice to him, while Dereck Chisora ​​and Tony Bellew have also failed.

But Wardley – who will play the tough underdog – feels his raw, unpredictable style can trouble Usyk in ways others haven’t.

“The boxers who tried were traditional. They came from traditional boxing backgrounds and did things in a very traditional way,” Wardley said.

“I’m, I’m unpredictable. I do things that aren’t the norm, which can throw him off his game.”

Promoter Frank Warren said Wardley could be promoted from WBO “interim” to full world champion if Usyk decides to vacate his belts.

Although Wardley would consider himself a legitimate world champion if that happened, he says he would prefer to win the title in the ring against Usyk.

The pair have shared an episode before. In 2018, Wardley responded to a “mysterious Facebook message” from Usyk’s team and traveled to Kiev to take on the cruiserweight champion.

“I remember getting beaten up a lot, to be honest. I was very new, and even then he already had a lot of experience and boxing IQ,” Wardley recalled.

However, seven years later, he’s not just planning on making up the numbers.

He added: “I will put everything I have into it. If things go as they should, one way or another, Oleksandr Usyk will know that he was in a fight with Fabio Wardley.”