Fabio Wardley called out by former two-weight world champion in world title fight plea

Lawrence Okolie has called out Fabio Wardley as he looks to secure a shot at the WBO world heavyweight champion in 2026.

Wardley recently defeated Joseph Parker to put himself in line for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk who previously held the undisputed titles.

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But Usyk elected to give up the WBO belt from his collection which was awarded to the Ipswich native.

It changed the complex for his 2026, as he now is set for a maiden world title defence likely against a challenger of his choice.

Daniel Dubois has been heavily linked with a showdown, and will likely be open to challenging for a belt against instantly after his defeat to Usyk.

But Wardley’s British rival Lawrence Okolie, who is a newcomer to the division, believes he should be next in line.

He said: “Oleksandr Usyk didn’t want to fight Fabio Wardley for whatever reason so he becomes the champion.

“I think he earned it and that’s the fight that I want next if I win this one.

“I think the most direct route to a world title would be Fabio because he’s a world champion now.

“It’s a fight that will be spoken about behind the scenes, but I do want that one. I think Fabio is a much easier fight than Usyk will be.”

On his chances of victory, he added: “It’s because when I watch him stylistically, I think he’s very, very exciting and dangerous. However, he’s got holes that kind of match up well with my style.

“But I think before he gets to that point, if you’re able to kind of execute your own game plan, I think it will be a pretty basic night.”

When could Wardley vs Okolie happen?

Queensberry/Leigh Dawney

Okolie is set to return to action imminently with an opponent still yet to be named.

‘The Sauce’ will headline a card in Nigeria on December 19 before looking into his options for 2026, with Wardley a primary target.

As for the champion, he is set to make a decision about his first decision during reign as king imminently.

And promoter Frank Warren has told talkSPORT he is eyeing April for Wardley to make his first bow as title-holder.

He said: “We will see where we go.

“Fabio will be returning to the ring in April now, I am meeting up with him and his manager next week.

“We are going to get some lunch and decide what we are doing. There are plenty of options.”