Frank Warren Names His Boxer Of The Year

After the Parker win, Wardley was elevated to a full WBO World Heavyweight Champion on November 17, 2025, after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that plans are now in motion for Wardley’s first title defense, likely scheduled for April 2026. While an exact opponent has not been finalized, the following names are currently in the mix.

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Itauma is the WBO’s No. 1 contender, making this a mandatory challenge that Wardley cannot ignore. Can Wardley’s relentless pressure overcome the young talent in the sport? Both men train under Ben Davison, which adds a psychological “civil war” element to the gym. This mirrors the Lennox Lewis vs. Frank Bruno dynamic—two countrymen at different stages of their careers.

While Wardley stopped David Adeleye in 2023, Adeleye has spent the last two years rebuilding his career. Their first fight was overshadowed by a chaotic pre-fight brawl and a controversial stoppage that left Adeleye fuming. The animosity between these two is real, ensuring a big promotion and a fight where neither man will take a backward step. Either way, Warren praised Wardley.

“It’s very difficult asking me that. I’ve got to think the guy, looking at where he’s come from and where he’s gone, has got to be Fabio [Wardley.] No amateur experience and he’s world champion and on a bona fide basis. He beat a guy who is number two to Usyk and was a big favourite going into that fight, so I think he had a tremendous year. “Again, the Justis Huni fight, he done brilliantly, and I take my hat off to him. It’s an amazing journey,” Warren said