The situation of the heavyweight division suggests Wardley is closer to the “Big 3” than many expected a year ago. Still, his path to Usyk, Fury, or Joshua is paved with high-risk opposition that could derail those plans before they even materialize.
Wardley cannot get to those three without going through Daniel Dubois first. They fight on May 9. Since Wardley is now the full WBO Heavyweight Champion (after Usyk vacated the belt in late 2025), this is his first major defense.
Dubois has already fought Usyk and AJ, so he represents the literal “gatekeeper” to that elite tier. If Wardley loses here, his leverage for a mega-fight evaporates.
“I want the Usyk fight, and I want the likes of Tyson Fury and the likes of AJ. The big three I call them in the sport,” said Wardley to Eze Talk. “I’m looking up in terms of people who are holding on to world titles. I’m looking up in terms of people who have multiple world titles.”
There is actually a direct line to Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk recently revealed a three-fight plan before retirement: 1. A crossover bout against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 23. 2. The winner of Wardley vs. Dubois, and 3. a trilogy/final career bout with Tyson Fury.
Wardley has the best chance of landing this specific name if he makes a statement against Dubois.
A “Battle of Britain” between Wardley and Fury would be an easy sell for Wembley Stadium. However, Fury’s schedule is notoriously unpredictable. Unless Wardley remains champion and a mandatory position is forced, Fury usually prioritizes the biggest possible names (Usyk/AJ) over rising titleholders.
Joshua is currently rebuilding and looking for a path back to a world title. Since Wardley holds the WBO strap, he is a natural target. This is likely the most “makeable” fight of the three if the promotional teams (Queensberry and Matchroom) can play nice.
Wardley claims he isn’t looking at Moses Itauma, but he might not have a choice. Itauma is the WBO #1 contender and is fighting Jermaine Franklin today, March 28. If Itauma wins convincingly, the WBO will eventually call for a mandatory defense. Wardley’s “separate paths” argument only works as long as the sanctioning bodies allow it.
Can he get them? Yes, but only on one condition: he must beat Daniel Dubois in May.
Wardley has been the “underdog” who keeps winning, from the Joseph Parker knockout to being elevated to champion. If he takes out Dubois, he becomes the most valuable “dance partner” in the UK, and at least one of the ‘Big 3’ will have to answer the phone.
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