Fabio Wardley has opened up about whether a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk is on the cusp of coming to fruition.
Later tonight, the Englishman will go to war with Justis Huni for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight world title at Ipswich Football Club’s Portman Road Stadium.
The match-up serves as a huge step up for Wardley, who’s looking to make a massive statement in front of his adoring fans.
And should he win, the powerhouse will move one step closer to a clash with the sport’s pound-for-pound number one.
Fabio Wardley wants to fight Oleksandr Usyk
Fabio Wardley would jump at the opportunity to set foot inside the ring with Oleksandr Usyk.
However, with the legend’s career coming to an end, the Brit is worried that his chance of ever facing the boxing genius could be somewhat slim.
As per Sky Sports, he said: “Is this the only fight to get me over the line? Probably not. There are more stepping stones to be done. Ultimately, it is 100% a step in the right direction and a step into that contention.
“If he’s saying he’s got two fights left, do I think I would be his next fight? No.
“By about early next year is when I’ll be in a prime spot to push on for one of them actual full-on world titles, whether he’s still around at that point or not is only a question for him really. But if he is, I’ll 100% be pushing my mandatory [shot] and trying to get that done.
“I did a couple of camps over in Ukraine with him in preparation for his fights. So, I’ve spent time with him, I know him well.
“It would be good to jump in there with someone of his calibre, but also someone that I know like that.”
Oleksandr Usyk could lose to Jai Opetaia for one specific reason
Wardley isn’t the only fighter who’d revel in the opportunity to trade leather with Usyk.
Jai Opetaia returns to the ring tomorrow evening against Claudio Squeo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia.
Should he win, the appetite among fans for a showdown between the two superstars could grow even further.
Interestingly, a former world champion says Opetaia could have the edge over Usyk.