Fabio Wardley lays out blockbuster 2026 plans and reveals frontrunner for next fight

Fabio Wardley is gearing up for a massive 2026.

The Ipswich puncher announced himself on the world stage last year with a pair of dramatic stoppage victories over Justis Huni and Joseph Parker.

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His win over the latter earned him the WBO interim belt, which was subsequently upgraded to the full world title when Oleksandr Usyk opted to vacate the red and gold strap rather than defend it against the heavy-handed Brit.

Wardley is now preparing to make a voluntary defence in the first quarter of the year, with fellow countrymen Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora towards the top of his hitlist.

The expectation is that his next outing will take place on British shores, but once that is out of the way, Wardley is hoping to make a splash across the pond.

Fabio Wardley eyes US debut

“I just want 2026 to be big and busy,” Wardley told Ring Magazine of his plans for the year ahead.

“I’ve got a world title now, but I’m not trying to sit and hold onto it and hide away with it, I want to be busy and fighting regularly.

“I want big fights, big names, big events and big occasions.

“I’ve had some already in my career and ticked off some great achievements and milestones, but that has only made me want more.

“If we’ve done all that, then why can’t we do this? Why can’t we do Madison Square Garden?

“That’s where I’d like to go. That’s high on my list now, and I have no plans of easing up.

” I have always looked for the biggest challenges, and that’s not going to change now.”

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Who could Fabio Wardley fight in his US debut?

To fight at the Mecca of Boxing, Wardley would require a suitable dance partner, preferably one from the United States.

Wardley initially intended to call out Deontay Wilder, but ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is currently locked into negotiations with Usyk.

Another option is Jarrell Miller, whom Wardley had been matched with for June before the American was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Who is the frontrunner to box Fabio Wardley next?

For now, his attention is focused on an all-British showdown, with Fury recently calling out Wardley after announcing his intentions to return to the ring.

Fury’s team have, however, admitted that a bout with Wardley following over a year out of action would be coming a touch too soon.

This contest is far more likely to be explored in the second half of the year after a tune-up fight for ‘The Gypsy King’.

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As a result, the frontrunner to box Wardley next is Chisora.

“All fights are a possibility,” Wardley added.

“But the one with Chisora, out of the list of names, seems probably most realistic and currently at the forefront.

“But Del Boy will always be Del Boy, and he’s always going to have his own plans and grand designs about how he wants his 50th fight to look, and I understand it might not marry up.”

Chisora’s next outing will be his 50th and seemingly last professional fight.

The rugged veteran has had something of a career revival in recent years, rebounding from defeats to Parker and Fury to string together a trio of gutsy wins over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin.