Wardley vs Pulev: Fabio Wardley Eyes Major Fight, Plans to Relinquish British Belt
Fabio Wardley is at a turning point in his career. He’s made a name for himself in the British heavyweight scene, but now, he’s got his eyes set on something bigger—a fight with Kubrat Pulev. And if Wardley vs Pulev happens, he knows he’ll probably have to let go of his British title.
At 30 years old, Wardley is coming off the biggest win of his career, a brutal first-round knockout of Frazer Clarke in October 2024. That victory, which was also his first defense of the Commonwealth title, proved he’s more than ready to step up to the next level. Under the guidance of Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions—who have been dominating the heavyweight division lately—he’s looking to take his career to new heights.
While he hasn’t officially decided to vacate his British title yet, he admits the time may have come. And with Pulev on his radar, he’s already thinking about what could be one of the biggest nights of his career, possibly even at Portman Road, home to his beloved Ipswich Town Football Club.
Why Pulev?
Kubrat Pulev isn’t just any opponent. At 43, he’s been around the block, having fought some of the biggest names in the sport, including Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko. Just last December, he defeated Mahmoud Charr to claim the WBA “regular” heavyweight title—a belt that may not be the most prestigious in the division but still carries weight.
For Wardley, this fight makes perfect sense. “I can’t just take random fights anymore,” he told BoxingScene. “I don’t want to be that guy who fights someone nobody knows. I want to be in fights that make people go, ‘Yeah, I need to watch that.’”
And Pulev, with his experience and name recognition, fits the bill. “He’s the WBA regular champ, and I’m ranked number one. It’s a fight that just makes sense,” Wardley said. “But it’s not just about rankings—it’s also about giving the fans something to be excited about.”
The Bigger Picture
A fight with Pulev wouldn’t just be another step up—it would put Wardley on the world stage. Even though the WBA “regular” belt isn’t considered a true world title, winning it would push him closer to the biggest fights in the division.
“If that fight happens, it adds another layer to it,” Wardley said. “It’s technically a world title, so yeah, that would make it even more exciting. But really, I just want to be in big fights. I want people to look at my name on a fight card and think, ‘That’s going to be a war.’”
Source: Fabio Wardley prepared to vacate British title to fight Kubrat Pulev
A Career-Changing Year
It wasn’t long ago that Wardley was a free agent, fighting on various undercards without a long-term promotional deal. That all changed after his first fight with Clarke in March 2024, a brutal and bloody draw that had fans on their feet. Since then, signing with Queensberry Promotions has completely changed his trajectory. His dominant performance in the rematch only cemented his status as a real threat in the division.
Now, he’s in the driver’s seat. “I’m in a really good position,” he said. “We’re taking our time, making sure we pick the right fight. The right opportunity, the right opponent. Things are moving, but nothing’s locked in yet.”
One thing he is sure about? His time at the British level is coming to an end.
“I’ll probably be vacating that belt,” he admitted. “I’ve had my run with it. I’ve had some great fights for it, and it’s been an honor, but I think I’ve done what I needed to do there. Now it’s time to move on.”
He also understands that younger fighters are eager for their shot at the belt, just like he once was. “I remember when I was coming up, waiting for my chance,” he said. “Now, it’s time to let someone else go for it while I focus on bigger things.”
Bringing a Big Fight to Ipswich
One of Wardley’s dreams is to bring a major fight to Ipswich, his hometown. And if the Pulev fight happens, he’d love for it to be there.
“That would be a dream come true,” he said. “I might’ve even started that rumor myself! I’ve been talking about it for a while because it’s something I really want.”
His fans have followed him everywhere, traveling to London, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. He feels like he owes them a big night close to home. “My supporters have been amazing. They’ve traveled all over the place to watch me fight. It’d be great to give them a fight right here in Ipswich.”
Of course, making that happen isn’t just up to him. “It depends on the opponent, too,” he explained. “Do they want the fight? Are they available now, in six weeks, in six months? There are things I can’t control.”
Still, he hopes it happens soon. “The sooner, the better,” he said. “I’ve been looking at the WBA rankings, checking out the top names, and honestly, I’m ready for any of them.”
The Next Step
Wardley has come a long way in a short time. From being a local fighter looking for opportunities to now being on the verge of something big, his rise has been exciting to watch. Now, he’s at a crucial moment where the right fight could change everything.
A win over Pulev could open doors to even bigger fights. And whether that fight happens in Ipswich or somewhere else, one thing is certain—Wardley is ready to take the next step and make a statement.
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