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Talk to iFL TV, Frank Warren appointed Fabio Wardley as boxer of the year, basing the choice on progression rather than promotion. Warren’s words were precise, without exaggeration. “No amateur experience and he is a bona fide world champion,” he said. In a heavyweight division cluttered with alphabetical shortcuts, that wording mattered.
Wardley’s 2025 arc closed with a recognized belt and victory over Joseph Parker, ranked directly below Alexander Ousyk. He entered this fight as a betting underdog. Three feet from the apron, the detail was in its restraint. The shot was short and repeatable, not thrown to impress, but rather used to manage distance and keep his feet under him. When the pressure came early, he didn’t widen his stance or pursue counters. He absorbed, reset and kept his balance.
“He beat a guy who is number two behind Usyk and was one of the big favorites going into that fight, so I think he had a tremendous year,” Warren said.
Technical growth under real fire
Wardley’s lack of amateur pedigree still shows in places. His foot placement remains narrow and his exits can square up if rushed. What changed was his proprioception under stress. Against ranked opponent Usyk, his high-guard effectiveness tightened after the middle rounds, forearms angled inward, elbows pinched, reducing clean lanes upstairs. The body landed with a thud, thrown without much engagement, allowing him to stay close enough to cut the ring.
This development continued in Justi Huni combat, which tested different mechanics. Huni’s quicker lead hand and lateral movement forced Wardley to adjust his pursuit. He shortened his steps, pulled on the lead shoulder on the entry and began timing a left hook once Huni’s pace slowed. These adjustments did not occur between camps. They arrived between rounds. It matters.
Background, belts and realistic review
Warren’s praise deserves scrutiny because of his history with heavyweight titles. He saw belts move faster than fighters mature. Wardley’s case seems cleaner. The opponents were ranked. The fights were competitive. The results were settled in the ring, not in a boardroom. Warren called the year “tremendous” and tipped his hat to the trip. The restrained tone matched the evidence.
Warren now opens the year in Manchester with his “Magnificent 7” card, headlined by Moses, this is going to hurt against Jermaine Franklinmarking its 45th year as a licensed developer.
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Last updated on 03/01/2026
