Fabio Wardley is set for two of the most significant events of his life, both happening within the next ten days.
The 30-year-old boxer from Ipswich, who previously worked in recruitment and competed in white-collar boxing, will headline the show at Portman Road this Saturday night, facing the tough Australian contender Justis Huni.
Adding to the intensity, his partner is scheduled to give birth to their first child, a baby girl, on June 16.
For most individuals, navigating such a tense and emotional two-week period would be incredibly challenging, a demanding emotional rollercoaster.
However, the “Suffolk Puncher” – who famously sparred with Oleksandr Usyk in Ukraine back in 2018 when he was still relatively new to the sport – is embracing the hectic schedule.
The highly-regarded fighter told SunSport: “June 2025 is going to be a memorable, wild month that I’ll be talking about for the rest of my life.”
“I envision myself as an old man in a rocking chair, telling stories about this time and wondering how we successfully pulled it off.”
“Everything is converging at the same time, which might appear chaotic, but I genuinely wouldn’t prefer it any other way. I thrive in this kind of environment; I truly love the chaos.”
Nine months ago, the fighter, who holds an impressive 18-0-1 record, received the fantastic news that he was going to become a father for the first time.
Just a few weeks later, he was presented with a unique opportunity: to headline a boxing event at the stadium of his boyhood football club, a dream scenario that eludes many Olympic and world champions throughout their careers.
It might seem like a recipe for psychological and logistical stress, potentially leading to complications, but Wardley`s inner circle is incredibly supportive.
“If my daughter takes after me, she’ll be relaxed and maybe arrive a bit late, which would give me a little extra time to unwind after the fight,” he said with a smile.
“The due date has shifted a couple of times, but my partner has been incredibly understanding and supportive.”
“I’ve promised her that as soon as Saturday night is over, my full attention will be devoted entirely to them.”
“This week, however, is strictly for me. I need to maintain absolute focus on my fight, and then, it will be all about them.”
Wardley – who notably caused a skull fracture to 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke during their one-round rematch last October – possesses a rare combination of being a formidable boxer and a genuinely likable person. He insists this balance won`t be disturbed by either a victory or the arrival of his baby.
“I’m not entirely sure how parenthood will change me,” he admitted. “But my intention is definitely to be the fun dad. I’ll leave the role of disciplinarian to mum.”
“That said, I believe I’ll always have an inherent drive to challenge myself in all aspects of life. It’s just a part of who I am. And I’m confident I’ll need to regularly nurture and fuel that ambition.”
One scenario Wardley would NEVER entertain, despite the puzzling suggestions from some ill-informed pundits, is fighting his mentor and close friend, Dillian Whyte.
Having followed Wardley’s career path closely, the idea of such a matchup being even discussed was astonishing, and Wardley was quick to shut it down.
“You are absolutely correct, for once,” he quipped with a laugh.
“From the instant such a fight was announced, everyone familiar with boxing and our relationship would immediately recognise it as baseless and something I would never agree to, given the immense affection, admiration, and respect I have for Dills.”
“People often talk about my journey – coming from white-collar boxing, starting from scratch, sparring with Usyk.”
“But none of those opportunities or my initial progress would have been possible without Dillian’s support from the very beginning. Therefore, I would never disrespect him by stepping into the ring against him.”
“Even if every sanctioning body called for the fight and someone was foolish enough to put up a huge sum of money, I would simply take a knee in the opening round and let him claim the victory.”
Whyte was initially scheduled to appear on the Ipswich undercard but withdrew to finalise a planned summer fight with Lawrence Okolie.
He has not competed in England since November 2022 and was slated for a rematch against Anthony Joshua in August 2023.
However, that highly anticipated sell-out event at the O2 Arena was cancelled when Whyte failed a doping test.
Since that lucrative fight was scrapped, Whyte has had bouts in Gibraltar and Ireland, securing less significant victories.
Oliver Croft