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Wardley dismisses Fury world title prospects before Makhmudov test
Fabio Wardley will be watching closely when Tyson Fury returns to the boxing ring this weekend - but the WBO champion does not believe he will win a world title again.
'The Gypsy King' faces Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, as he ends a 16-month hiatus following two losses against Oleksandr Usyk.
Victory over Makhmudov should likely to open the door for bigger fights for Fury in 2026, with the star frequently linked to a huge showdown against Anthony Joshua.
But beyond his fellow former world champion, world title fights against Wardley or unified ruler Usyk could also easily appeal to him and his team as he plots his next move.
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Wardley is due to make his first title defence against Daniel Dubois on May 9, after he was elevated from the interim strap he won against Joseph Parker in October.
Should the Ipswich man topple the former IBF champion, Fury could become a realistic foe moving forward, offering a surefire stadium draw for his next major bout.
But even though Wardley has plenty of respect for the elder man's contribution to boxing, he struggles to see where he becomes world champion again anytime soon.
“He is the biggest crossover star in British boxing," he wrote in a column for BBC Sport. "[He is] the guy with his own Netflix reality show, the guy who fought in the WWE.
“I didn't really feel like he was gone, more that he was just taking a break, as he does. When he said he was retired, I thought: "We'll see you in a year."
DAZN“But although it's good to have him back in a boxing ring, in the current state of the heavyweight division, I can't see how Fury becomes a world champion again.
"He would have to fight either me or Usyk - and do I think he can beat either of us? No."
Wardley does admit that there are pathways however, particularly if Usyk - next due to defend only his WBC crown against Rico Verhoeven - loses his unified status.
“If the titles get fractured, if Usyk is stripped of a belt for one reason or another," he added.
"[If] Fury fights someone like Lawrence Okolie or Agit Kabayel for a vacant title, then yes, he can become champion.”
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois on May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
