Here’s a bombshell for boxing fans: Fabio Wardley’s path to heavyweight glory might just have hit a major detour. But here’s where it gets controversial—if his highly anticipated showdown with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk falls through, the WBO has a backup plan that could pit Wardley against his own training partner, rising star Moses Itauma. Yes, you read that right.
After Wardley’s emotional, come-from-behind TKO victory over Joseph Parker on October 25 at London’s O2 Arena, the boxing world was buzzing. His tears weren’t just for the WBO interim title; they were for the opportunity it represented—a shot at Usyk and the undisputed crown. And this is the part most people miss: while Wardley’s win was monumental, it’s the politics behind the scenes that could reshape his future.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri has made it crystal clear: if Usyk isn’t available for any justified reason, Wardley will be mandated to face Itauma, the WBO’s No. 1 contender. Itauma, a 13-0 powerhouse with 11 knockouts, isn’t just a rising star—he’s a force to be reckoned with. His recent first-round demolition of Whyte catapulted him into the spotlight, and he’s also the WBA’s top contender for Usyk’s title. Here’s the kicker: both Wardley and Itauma are trained by Ben Davison, turning a potential fight into a clash of loyalties and strategies.
In a previous interview with The Ring, Wardley acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation. While he’d rather avoid facing a friend, he sees the bigger picture. “It’s a positive for both of us,” he said, highlighting the success of their shared training camp. “Ben is producing great fighters, and we’re both making waves in the division.”
But let’s not sugarcoat it—this scenario is far from ideal. Wardley’s team had initially eyed a December 13 fight for Itauma, but those plans were scrapped. Now, the possibility of Wardley vs. Itauma looms large, raising questions about loyalty, ambition, and the ruthless nature of the sport. Here’s the million-dollar question: Would you rather see Wardley chase Usyk’s undisputed crown or face Itauma in a battle of training partners? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark fireworks.
