WBO champion Fabio Wardley did not take the traditional route to the top – and that is precisely what makes his story so special. The biggest fight of the former “White Collar” boxer’s career now awaits him against Daniel Dubois.
He is not one of those heavyweights whose path runs on rails from a young age. Not a highly decorated amateur, not one with years of touring through championships and selection teams, nor a fighter who was hyped early on. Fabio Wardley’s story begins differently – later, rougher, less polished. Perhaps that is part of his appeal. The reigning WBO champion is not a product of the usual boxing system, but someone who has taken his place in the premier class in an unusual way.
Fabio was born on December 18, 1994 in Ipswich in the county of Suffolk, north-east of London. He not only grew up there, but is still deeply rooted in his homeland to this day. While other heavyweights show off their talent in boxing gyms as youngsters, Fabio got into the sport via white-collar events – the stage on which those who do not come from traditional competitive sport often compete. Big names on the scene such as Sam Jones, Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte become aware of him through these events. For many, this is just a side entrance. For Wardley, it is the way to the top.
Dynamics and flair
The fact that he has hardly had an amateur career to speak of initially looked more like a disadvantage. In the meantime, this has become part of his story. Wardley does not have to detach himself from a tightly managed talent program, but instead develops in the open field, so to speak.
Fabio Wardley made his professional debut in 2017 and it quickly became clear that he …
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