British heavyweight boxing is set for a potential blockbuster showdown as newly-crowned world champion Fabio Wardley has responded to a call-out from the returning Tyson Fury.
Wardley Welcomes Fury Challenge
The Ipswich fighter, who realised his dream of becoming a world champion in October 2025 with a knockout win over Joseph Parker, says he is open to the idea of an all-British mega-fight. Wardley won the interim WBO heavyweight title with that victory and was later promoted to full champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt.
Fury, who announced his retirement in January 2025, has since performed a dramatic U-turn and is targeting a ring return in 2026. The 37-year-old, last seen losing a second time to Usyk in December 2024, has been training in Thailand and has named Wardley, Anthony Joshua, and a trilogy with Usyk on his hit list.
"He Was Already On Mine" - Wardley's Fiery Response
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wardley did not shy away from the challenge. "It was good [to be named] because he was already on mine. It makes no difference to me," stated the champion.
He emphasised his desire for major fights, saying, "I'm not shying away from big fights. I haven't got a world title just to take easy fights and hold onto it, and hide away with it." Wardley described himself as "extremely keen" to test Fury's genuineness about the proposed bout.
The champion also issued a warning to Fury, suggesting he might not be the easy comeback fight 'The Gypsy King' anticipates. "I'm quite the banana skin," Wardley asserted. "I'd back myself against anyone in this division... I'm not going to give up until I hear that final bell."
Fury's Relentless Drive for a Comeback
Fury appears determined to prove he still belongs at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. In a recent Instagram video, he dismissed financial motives for his return, citing a pure love for the sport.
"I have literally won everything... for me, there is nothing else other than the fight game. I love this fight game," Fury declared. The former champion gave a stark assessment of his future, admitting, "I'll probably be ending up in a wheelchair like the rest of them all. Punched to death... but it's the game I chose."
This sets the stage for a huge domestic clash, should negotiations progress. With both fighters publicly expressing interest, British boxing fans could be in for a monumental event in 2026.
