Fabio Wardley’s Journey in Boxing
The first time Fabio Wardley saw Joseph Parker in action was in 2018 at his local pub, accompanied by friends and a few beers. Recently transitioning from a personal trainer, Wardley caught the boxing bug and decided to pursue a career as a professional fighter.
During this period, he kept an eye on the boxing world, especially when heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was set to unify his title against Parker. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for Wardley to watch the fight at The Plough.
Initial Fascination with Boxing
“Back then, boxing wasn’t something I followed closely,” Wardley reflected ahead of his upcoming DAZN event on October 25. “The first time I really noticed Joseph Parker was during his fight with Anthony Joshua. I was at The Plough in Ipswich, just enjoying the match with friends, with no plans of fighting him in the future.” He continues, “Ten years later, it’s incredible to think that now I’m facing him.”
A Remarkable Ascent
Wardley’s journey from a white-collar boxer with no amateur experience to being on the verge of a world title is noteworthy. Currently rated No. 6 by The Ring in the heavyweight category, he also holds the WBA interim title. His last fight against Justis Huni ended with a dramatic right-hand knockout in the 10th round, despite trailing on points.
Facing Tough Competition
The upcoming match against former world champion Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) is expected to be Wardley’s toughest challenge yet. He acknowledges Parker’s extensive experience, having won his first world title against Andy Ruiz back in 2016, while he was still an amateur fighter. “I remember watching him with Joshua, but I wasn’t confident that I could beat him. I was just a fan fascinated by the fight.”
Time and Growth in the Sport
Reflecting on his initial entry into boxing, Wardley emphasizes that finding his passion solidified his commitment to the sport. “After my first white-collar fight, I felt the excitement and knew I had found my calling. The adrenaline was addictive, and I wanted to dive into it fully after my professional debut,” he shares.
Looking Ahead
Nearly eight years since that pivotal night, Wardley recognizes how unexpected his journey has been. “Many have doubted me, claiming each opponent was too skilled, but I’ve navigated through the division successfully,” he remarked. With seasoned fighters like Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk approaching the twilight of their careers, he feels ready to claim his spot as Britain’s top heavyweight.
