Fabio Wardley, the newly crowned WBO heavyweight champion, has ruled out one potential challenger as he prepares for his first title defense. The 31-year-old Ipswich native has surged from a domestic contender to a world champion in impressive fashion, following two career-defining victories in 2025. Wardley's journey to the top was highlighted by his headline performance at Portman Road against Justis Huni, where he scored a dramatic knockout in the final round, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This victory was followed by further momentum in October when he captured the WBO interim belt, stopping former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker in the 11th round with his signature power. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk vacated the WBO title, elevating Wardley to full world champion status. In the current WBO rankings, fast-rising prospect Moses Itauma holds the top spot, but Wardley has explained why a match-up with the 21-year-old is not currently on the table. "Right now, we see each other as stablemates and training partners. Being in the same gym next to each other makes it impossible for us to fight each other." Both fighters train under Ben Davison in Harlow, and a bout between them would be unlikely unless one were to leave the gym and seek a new training setup. For now, Itauma's focus is on recovery after his January 24 bout with Jermaine Franklin was postponed due to injury. Wardley, meanwhile, awaits confirmation of his first title defense, with veteran former challenger Derek Chisora being mentioned as a potential opponent.
