Fabio Wardley has questioned whether Tyson Fury can return to the top of the heavyweight division, suggesting the former champion is “unlikely” to become a world titleholder again ahead of his bout with Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Wardley, who admitted he would “100% be up for” a fight with Fury, said the bigger issue lies at the very top of the division. “He would have to fight either me or Oleksandr Usyk – and do I think he can beat either of us? No,” Wardley said.
While leaving the door open for Fury in certain scenarios, Wardley pointed out that a fractured title picture could offer a different route. He noted that Fury “can become champion” if he fights for a vacant belt against opponents like Lawrence Okolie or Agit Kabayel, but emphasized that path would depend on circumstances.
Looking at Saturday’s matchup, Wardley described Makhmudov as “a very well-picked opponent,” highlighting stylistic advantages for Fury. He explained that Makhmudov’s straightforward approach and lack of agility could play directly into Fury’s movement and control at range, predicting a “decisive, pretty clean and pretty comfortable” points win for the Brit.
However, Wardley also warned of the stakes. If Fury were to lose, he believes it should signal the end.
“I feel like that’s the end of the road for the Gypsy King,” he said, adding that while retirement would make sense in that scenario, Fury’s personality suggests “he wouldn’t want to leave the sport like that.”
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