Heavyweight contender Wardley says Tyson Fury could retire 'again' next week
Heavyweight contender Fabio Wardley is skeptical about Tyson Fury's latest comeback announcement, suggesting the "Gipsy King" could retire once more as quickly as he announced his return. Wardley, an interim WBA belt-holder, watches top-tier developments closely, but he's taking Fury's plans with a grain of salt until he sees real commitment.
The unpredictable nature of Tyson Fury means his recent announcement to return to boxing in 2026 for a trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk should be taken with a pinch of salt, according to fellow heavyweight Fabio Wardley. Wardley, who holds the WBA Interim belt, has a vested interest in the heavyweight landscape but remains highly skeptical of Fury's latest U-turn, given his history of multiple retirement announcements.
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"I never know what to believe with him," Wardley told Sky Sports News. "I never know what to believe because I would not be surprised if next week he says 'you know what I can't be bothered, I'm retired again'."
Wardley, from Ipswich, emphasized that he'll only truly believe the comeback when he sees tangible signs of commitment. "I'll believe it when maybe we're a week or two out or I see a press conference. I don't know with him sometimes. If it comes off and we get the trilogy, it would be fantastic."
While keeping an eye on Fury's movements, Wardley is focused on his own climb through the WBA's championship ranks. His ambition is clear: win the WBA 'regular' belt before challenging for the WBA 'super' championship, the world title currently held by Usyk.
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"I don't think I'm far away. I'm not a fool, I'm not idiot. I understand there's still a lot of learning to do for me," said Wardley, who most recently secured a victory over Justis Huni at Portman Road in June. "I'm still learning, I'm still piecing everything together but I think in a fight or two I'll have enough and I'll have what it takes to conquer for a world title."
Looking ahead to the undisputed championship, Wardley expects Usyk to unify the belts again after his rematch with London's Daniel Dubois later this month. "I find it very hard to bet against him," Wardley said of Usyk. "I do nine times out of 10 back the Brit, I always want to see a Brit win, I always want to see the belts come back to home soil. But the form he's in, the way he goes about his work, he just seems a bit undeniable at the moment. He's on some sort of mission that just won't be stopped, won't be derailed. So one way or another I think he always finds a way."
