Fabio Wardley isn’t buying Tyson Fury’s newest U-turn. The WBA interim heavyweight titlist welcomed news of Fury’s planned 2026 trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk, but told Sky Sports News he’ll believe it “when I see a press conference. Next week he might say he’s retired again.”
Fury, 36, reversed last year’s exit by vowing to chase revenge over Usyk and reclaim the belts he lost in 2024. Yet the unbeaten Ipswich puncher, fresh off his stoppage of Justis Huni, remains sceptical after the former champion’s string of retirements. “I never know what to believe with him,” Wardley shrugged. “If it happens, fantastic. If not - no surprise.”
Wardley, 30, has his own roadmap: capture the WBA “regular” belt, then challenge the “super” champion - vacant if Usyk keeps winning. “I’m still learning, but in a fight or two I’ll have what it takes to conquer for a world title,” he said, backing Usyk to repeat against Daniel Dubois later this month: “He just seems undeniable right now.”
With Fury-Usyk III uncertain and Anthony Joshua still hunting a Saudi mega-fight, Wardley’s climb through the WBA ranks could intersect the sport’s next power vacuum. Until then, the Brit is keeping one eye on the title picture - and the other on Fury’s ever-spinning retirement carousel.
Image Credit: Getty Images