Fabio Wardley was elevated from interim to full WBO world champion yesterday and has already been called out by one of his British heavyweight rivals.
The 30-year-old had cemented himself as the leading challenger for Oleksandr Usyk last month, shortly after securing his stunning 11th-round stoppage victory over Joseph Parker.
Back then, a somewhat controversial intervention from referee Howard Foster put an end to their thrilling spectacle, thus crowning Wardley as the WBO interim champion.
With bona fide heavyweight king Usyk vacating his belt, it was announced yesterday that Wardley is now in possession of the full WBO title – a remarkable achievement. The Ipswich man will now be in the firing line of a selection of hungry contenders.
One of those men just so happens to be Lawrence Okolie, a former cruiserweight world champion who is eager to make his mark in the land of the giants.
Even before Wardley fought Parker, Okolie had named his countryman, along with WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel, as a potential opponent.
This week, he doubled down on his desire to face the explosive puncher, telling Boxing News during a media roundtable exactly why he has always viewed it as an enticing option.
“I think it’s because his manager’s [former world title challenger] Dillian Whyte – I didn’t like that. That was the first [reason].
“Secondly, it’s because, when I watch him, stylistically he’s very exciting and dangerous, however he’s got holes that match-up well with my style.
“For example, if you watch his fight against [Justis] Huni or his fight against Parker, it’s like, these guys are maybe 6ft 3ins – a little bit shorter-limbed, good combination-punchers – and are able to catch him.
“I just think I’m a longer, more explosive, puncher that would be able to capitalise on his mistakes.
“His rallies are world-class. When he starts touching fighters, and the crowd starts screaming, he can be a handful for anyone.
“But, before he gets to that point, if I’m able to execute my own gameplan, I think it would be a pretty basic night.”
Having had just two fights up at heavyweight, Okolie — who is ranked number 4 with the WBO — latest outing saw him outpoint former Daniel Dubois foe Kevin Lerena this past July.
Now, the WBC’s number-one ranked contender — whose next fight will be a main event in Nigeria on December 19 — has been clamouring for a far more meaningful assignment. Wardley presents just that.