Fabio Wardley’s Ambitions for 2026
Fabio Wardley is eyeing his American debut in 2026, with hopes of making it at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
Title Defense in the Works
The 31-year-old became the full WBO heavyweight champion in November, and his team is currently organizing the first defense of his new title.
Seeking High-Stakes Fights
As reported by The Ring, Wardley has expressed a strong desire for all-British bouts against Tyson Fury or Derek Chisora, but he has other plans for the upcoming year as well. “I want 2026 to be big and busy,” he stated, emphasizing his eagerness for frequent fights and significant events.
Aiming for Madison Square Garden
Wardley highlighted his ambition to fight at Madison Square Garden, stating, “That’s high on my list now and I have no plans of easing up. I’ve always sought the biggest challenges, and that won’t change.”
Finding the Right Opponent
However, landing a fight at Madison Square Garden necessitates finding the right opponent. Wardley admitted that Oleksandr Usyk has taken away his initial plan for a potential matchup with Deontay Wilder, which he considered ideal for such an arena.
Exploring Other Matchup Options
Another potential opponent for Wardley could be Jared Anderson, who previously faced a setback but has since returned to victory and is now ranked No. 5 with the WBO. “The opponent matters because I’ve never fought in America,” he noted, stressing the importance of a worthy contender to create an exciting event.
Opening Conversations for Future Fights
Wardley now finds himself in a more favorable position, attracting interest from fighters like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury due to his title. There have been ongoing discussions with Chisora for what could be his 50th fight. “The fight with Chisora seems the most realistic option at present,” he said.
