Fabio Wardley is gearing up for one of the most pivotal moments of his boxing career while simultaneously preparing for a major life change outside the ring—becoming a father for the first time.
The British heavyweight, set to face unbeaten Australian Justis Huni this Saturday, will fulfill a childhood dream by fighting at Portman Road, the home stadium of his beloved Ipswich Town FC. Yet, as he trains for what could be a career-defining bout, another countdown looms: his partner is due to give birth just a week after the fight.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Wardley expressed a mix of excitement and nerves over his dual roles as boxer and soon-to-be dad. Between fight camp obligations and midwife appointments, he joked about the unpredictable nature of parenthood, admitting that diaper duty may be more daunting than any opponent he has faced in the ring.
While boxing offers familiarity and control, the prospect of raising a child introduces a new kind of challenge, one he hopes to tackle with the same focus and resilience that propelled him from a late boxing start at 19 to national title contention.
Wardley’s story is a testament to perseverance. From a recruitment job to the brink of a world-title shot, his journey has been marked by determination and a willingness to grow. A win against Huni could catapult him into global contention by 2026, and he’s already signaling his readiness. "You never know when the call could come," he said, affirming that he’ll be prepared when his opportunity arrives—both in the ring and at home.
ADD A COMMENT :