Anthony Joshua’s former rival Kubrat Pulev is set to face British prospect Fabio Wardley next.
Pulev is the current reigning WBA ‘regular’ world heavyweight title holder, a step down from Oleksandr Usyk who currently holds the ‘Super’ and full version of the WBA crown.
Since being brutally knocked out by Joshua in 2020, Pulev has won four of his last five fights which sees him ranked as the WBA’s regular title holder.
He recently beat Mahomud Charr and at the age of 43 is hoping to have one final hoorah at the top table.
British heavyweight Wardley is currently ranked at No.1 behind the champions with the WBA governing body.
And the WBA have announced that Pulev will be ordered to defend his title belt against the Ipswich native next.
It is Wardley’s first shot at a world-level belt, albeit not the full version, and a chance to begin working his way up the ladder to the top.
The order also came with the news that the winner will then be required to step in and face ‘forgotten heavyweight’ Michael Hunter, with a road map planned out.
Wardley’s latest tilt will be viewed as a perfect step for the Briton to graduate from British level, after knocking out Frazer Clarke in one round in a rematch which was his last outing.
He is currently on a 19-fight win streak and has shown real promise since turning over as a professional from a white-collar background.
Wardley had previously thrown his hat in the ring for a potential immediate full world title shot against IBF champion Daniel Dubois.
But it failed to materialise with Dubois first choosing Joseph Parker, although it now appears he will instead look to fight Usyk next.
Nonetheless it is a huge opportunity for Wardley, who has big hopes of reaching the big time in the blue-riband division.
He is extremely excited for his blossoming future and believes he is in the best hands under the guidance of boxing promoter Frank Warren.
“I need to keep the momentum going, that’s the plan,” he said.
“I want to be in big fights and be in the big events. I want it being my banner coming up [headlining an event] and everyone looking at my fight with real excitement.
“With Frank, myself and my management team we are working very well as a team in lining up my career path and next fight.
“We are all aligned. I feel in a fantastic place right now, I’m in the best place with Queensbury for heavyweight fighters.
“So I feel in safe hands and I feel very good.”
British heavyweight boxing is booming right now with a whole host of new challengers vying to push their name up the rankings.
Wardley’s stablemate Moses Itauma will also soon be chasing world level opportunities.
The talented 20-year-old is ranked highly with the WBO and like Wardley, is hoping to make a huge step this year and could fight for the interim title belt.
