2025-10-28 11:12:13
Oleksandr Usyk’s team is not “over excited” to fight Fabio Wardley.
The Barista, 30, bested Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa 33, last Saturday (25.10.25) via technical knockout and has therefore become the mandatory challenger to The Cat’s, 38, WBO heavyweight belt, but Usyk’s manager Egis Kilmas reportedly isn’t too happy at the prospect of facing Wardley.
Wardley’s promoter Frank Warren told talkSPORT Kilmas was “not over excited with all due respect at the prospect of fighting Fabio”.
Even so, the Queensbury promoter noted Usyk would have to give up his WBO title if he chooses not to fight Wardley.
Warren said: “The WBO had ordered that. So, it’s up to him. He either fights him or relinquishes the belt, or he gets stripped.
“I hope he doesn’t do that because I feel this fight would fill Wembley [Stadium] up. We had a good turnout on Saturday [for Parker vs. Wardley]. This is now a fight.”
Warren added Wardley “deserves his shot at Usyk”.
The promoter said of The Barista: “He has the power. He’s shown that in 19 of 20 fights. He comes from behind and does it.”
As for where and when the potential bout might take place, Warren said they were hoping for either London or Riyadh in March 2026.
He said: “The fight [between Usyk and Wardley] has been ordered, so there will be a period of negotiations now.
“And if we can’t reach an agreement, then it will go out for purse bids. I believe we will reach an agreement.
“The fight won’t be until next year, of course. I think it will be sometime in March.
“I’d love it to be in the UK, but there are only two places for this fight, and that’s either in Riyadh or here in London, that’s it. I’d do it at Wembley Stadium and it would be a sell-out.
“You know what you’re getting with Usyk, and you know what you’re getting with Fabio; it’s going to be exciting.”
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