Newly crowned WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley has been called out for a potential first world title defense, with Jarrell Miller pushing for a showdown in the United States.
Since winning the belt, Wardley has been linked with several possible opponents, including Derek Chisora, though that route closed when Chisora instead agreed to face Deontay Wilder in April. With an announcement on Wardley’s next fight expected soon, attention has now turned to Miller, a familiar name who was previously slated to face the Ipswich puncher last year before withdrawing from the bout.
Miller has publicly welcomed the idea of reviving the matchup, telling Ring Magazine that he would be eager to face Wardley on American soil. The outspoken heavyweight questioned officiating in Wardley’s recent fights and suggested a different outcome overseas. He said he believes a bout in the United States would test whether Wardley is “really up to the task” outside the UK.
The callout comes shortly after Miller returned to action at Madison Square Garden, where he earned a split decision win over Kingsley Ibeh on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson. Despite a laboured performance - and a viral moment in which his toupee was knocked off - Miller reiterated his desire to challenge Wardley for the WBO title.
Wardley has yet to respond publicly, but his recent run has established him as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. Alongside his win over Parker, he produced another late comeback in June 2025, stopping Justis Huni in the 10th round after trailing on the cards.
Image Credit: Sky Sports