Fabio Wardley Headed for Stable Fights with Itauma and Hrgovic?
The boxing community is buzzing after news that unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has vacated the WBO title. This means the organization will undoubtedly elevate interim champion Fabio Wardley to full champion status.
This move shouldn’t surprise anyone. Matchroom Boxing Chairman Eddie Hearn revealed that Usyk vs Wardley was going to be a tough sell, financially. In addition, this is the second time Usyk has gifted a belt to a fighter from the United Kingdom. He did the same thing with the IBF title, which elevated the interim titlist Daniel Dubois in 2024.
Wardley is coming off a huge eleventh-round stoppage over Joseph Parker on October 25. Afterward, he called out Usyk for a shot at the crown. Now that he will be champion, it’s time to ask who his first title defense will be against.
When looking at the rankings, Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions has to be all smiles. Not only does he promote Wardley, but the top five contenders are also part of his stable. There is #1 rated Moses Itauma, (#2) Filip Hrgovic, (#3) Zhieli Zhang, (#4) Lawrence Okolie, and (#5) Daniel Dubois.
Itauma and Hrgovic should be the frontrunners as the next two challengers for the title. Furthermore, boxing fans should get ready for Itauma vs Wardley discussions as a big UK fight in 2026.
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