Fabio Wardley's Ambitious 2026 Plans: A Shot at Madison Square Garden
The 31-year-old Fabio Wardley is gearing up for an exciting 2026, with his sights set on a high-profile American debut at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Since being crowned the full WBO heavyweight champion in November, Wardley's team is busy arranging his first title defense, but the fighter's ambitions go beyond that.
In an interview with The Ring, Wardley expressed his desire for a busy year, stating, 'I just want 2026 to be big and busy.' He's not content with just holding onto his title; he wants to engage in regular, high-profile fights.
His wish list includes big names and significant events, and Madison Square Garden is at the top of that list. Wardley believes that facing a top opponent at the Garden would be a dream come true, saying, 'If we’ve done all that, then what can’t we do this? Why can’t we do Madison Square Garden?'
However, securing a fight at the Garden is no easy feat. Wardley reveals that his original idea for an opponent, a bout with Deontay Wilder, was stolen by none other than Oleksandr Usyk, the Ring, WBA, IBF, and WBC champion.
Another potential opponent is Jared Anderson, once hailed as the future of the heavyweight division. Anderson's progress was halted by Martin Bakole in 2024, but he bounced back in February and is currently ranked No. 5 by the WBO. Wardley emphasizes the importance of a strong opponent, stating, 'The opponent definitely does matter because I’ve never fought in America before.'
His goal is to achieve new milestones and tick off new achievements, ensuring his career is filled with diverse and memorable experiences. This shift in perception has come a long way from when he was seen as a high-risk, low-reward prospect.
Now, heavyweight contenders like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are more open to facing him. Wardley attributes this to the WBO title, which has sparked ongoing conversations and kept these potential fights on the table for longer.
One of the most prominent conversations is with Derek Chisora, a 42-year-old Londoner seeking his 50th fight. With Fury training in Thailand and Joshua on a break after a personal tragedy, Wardley believes a fight with Chisora is now more likely.
Despite the various possibilities, Wardley remains focused on his goals, stating, 'All fights are a possibility, but the one with Chisora seems the most realistic and currently at the forefront.' He respects Chisora's plans and understands that their paths may not always align.
As for a world title defense against Fury, Wardley remains open to the idea, but he's not taking the talk too seriously. He understands that Fury's plans may change, and he's prepared to move forward with other opportunities, including a potential American debut at Madison Square Garden.
