Frank Warren believes Fabio Wardley can launch another run at a world title, though the journey starts with a tune-up after some time away. Coming off consecutive knockout losses against Daniel Dubois, Wardley must test his resolve before stepping in with elite heavyweights again.
Any blueprint hinges on whether Wardley actually wants to fight. With no date or opponent lined up, Warren keeps the door open on whether the former WBO titlist ever laces up the gloves again.
“I’m sure when he does come back, he’ll have, as we call it in the trade, a warm-up fight,” said Warren to Sky Sports Boxing about Wardley.
Warren insists Wardley’s pure power keeps him in any scrap, while manager Mike Ofo remains convinced another belt awaits if his man stays active. The real puzzle is what a tuneup really shows anyone. Feeding Wardley a couple of soft touches changes nothing. He already struggled with fringe contenders who had no business staying in the ring with him, and Dubois completely exposed him.
The man is flat-footed. He stands directly in front of incoming punches with zero head movement, zero lateral ability, and no backup plan when opponents take his right hand away. You cannot teach an older fighter how to float on his toes or reinvent his footwork overnight.
Knocking out a punch bag in two rounds will fool the casual fans, but those glaring holes are permanent. The second Warren steps him back into real danger against guys who hit hard, Wardley is getting chopped down the exact same way.
Sitting around for nine to twelve months is a complete waste and would hurt his sagging career. That kind of long layoff only gives Wardley time to replay the Dubois beatdowns in his head, soften up on the sofa, and bleed whatever self-belief he has left.
If Warren wants to keep Wardley relevant, you put him back in the ring by early 2027. Skip the local club fighters and line up a recognizable name like Richard Riakporhe, Rico Verhoeven, or even a faded Deontay Wilder. Those are dangerous enough to demand focus, but beatable enough to earn him genuine credibility without insulting the ticket buyers.
A win over a name instantly sets up an eliminator and puts him right back on the championship doorstep. Sitting on the shelf for a year before knocking out a couple of tomato cans destroys his market value, turns his brand toxic, and confirms to everyone that his promoter views him as damaged goods.