Suffolk heavyweight Fabio Wardley says he's on a 'crazy journey' from unknown to boxing star - and he's promising another power-packed display this Saturday.
British champion Wardley (15-0, 14KO), faces American Michael Coffie (13-3, 10KO) for the WBA Continental title in the co-main event of Anthony Joshua's return to the ring at a packed O2 Arena in London.
It's another milestone in a career which has seen the Ipswich puncher turn pro after just four white collar fights before winning both the English and British titles.
Fabio Wardley is 15-0 with 14 straight stoppage wins (Image: �Mark Robinson Photography Ltd)
He lifted the latter last time out, roaring back from a slow start to halt the much-heralded Nathan Gorman in the third round for his 14th straight stoppage.
Wardley, a former Chantry High School Student, said: "It’s been a crazy journey, from starting at white collar in a show that had maybe 200 people there to now at the O2 with 17,000 fans there.
"It’s been a wild, wild ride and a rollercoaster, but I’m thankful for every day and the opportunity.
"I’ve boxed on and chief-supported to some big cards, but nothing beats an AJ card and nothing beats a packed-out O2 Arena, so those two things are going to bring out the best in me and it’s going to be a great performance again on Saturday."
Fabio Wardley, left, and Michael Coffie meet for the WBA Continental heavyweight title on Saturday (Image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
If Wardley wins on Saturday night - and he should - the next step will likely be a first defence of his British belt, with contenders lining up to call him out on TV and via social media.
Olympic bronze medalist Frazer Clarke (6-0, 5KO) heads the list of those speaking his name, with the likes of new English champ Solomon Dacres (6-0, 2KO) and prospect David Adeleye (11-0, 10KO) also suggesting they could be the first man to beat Wardley.
Asked about the call-outs and potential future fights, Wardley smiled and said: "I’ve got to win on Saturday night, but it’s fun, it’s what I’m in the game for.
"I’m in the game to have these Twitter spats, to build something, put a bit of needle into fights and let these people know that I don’t care what background you have – ABA this, amateur that, you’ve done this, whatever.
"That means nothing to me. This is the pro game now, it’s professional boxing, and I do that very well.
Fabio Wardley is a former Ipswich Town Academy player and wears the club's badge and colours into the ring (Image: ©Mark Robinson Photography Ltd)
"When push comes to shove, I can fight, and I’ve got a set of balls on me that are big.
"You’re not going to get through me – and the same goes for Michael Coffie."
Promoter Eddie Hearn said of Wardley: "I love this fight. This man all of a sudden – outside of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury – has become the most talked-about heavyweight in the UK.
“At one stage he was just a white collar fighter, now he’s English champion, British champion and on everybody’s list to call out.”
Fabio Wardley is one of British boxing's brightest young stars (Image: ©Mark Robinson Photography/Matchroom)
Unsurprisingly, Coffie is predicting an upset win. Though both men are the same height (6ft 5ins), the American is likely to have a signifcant weight advantage - he weighed in almost 60lbs heavier than the Suffolk man for their last fights.
He said: "This was a fight that I actually was talking about a lot before the call even came. I guess it just manifested itself.
"Absolutely I fancy my chances. To me, the only thing I’m seeing is a win.
"I know it’s going to be a good fight. I expect it to be action-packed and difficult, but I’m ready to weather the storm.
"It’s a huge opportunity for me, and I think you’re all going to like this one.”
- You can watch Wardley v Coffie live on DAZN this Saturday night. Wardley's fight is the co-main event and should be on after 9pm.
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