Fabio Wardley has warned Tyson Fury against underestimating him should they clash this year.
Fury announced his intention to return to boxing earlier this week and named WBO heavyweight world champion, Wardley as a potential option.
A bout with the Ipswich man would give the 37-year-old the opportunity at becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.
“Big smoke for the gk after a long lay off,” he posted on Instagram.
“Could be an option later in 2026 god willing.”
Wardley scored the biggest win of his professional career in October, overcoming Joseph Parker on points to become interim titlist.
The 31-year-old became mandatory challenger for then-undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk, but the Ukrainian relinquished the belt, with Wardley then elevated to full WBO holder.
Wardley, who has come back from behind in his last two fights to win by stoppage against Parker and Justis Huni respectively, believes he can upset ‘The Gypsy King’ should they meet.
“I’d be extremely keen to see if he’s genuine about it or not,” Wardley told Sky Sports.
“He may be looking at it like it might be an easy touch for him to roll out of retirement, come into a fight, pick up a world title and go on to bigger things, but as fighters of late have found out, I’m quite the banana skin.
“I’d back myself against anyone in this division.
“That much has been proven about me.
“No matter the fighter, the occasion, the night, the event, or even how the fight in itself is going, I’m always in there with a chance.
“I’m not going to give up until I hear that final bell.”
Fury is currently training in Thailand alongside WBC bridgerweight champion, Kevin Lerena.
The 37-year-old has been linked with a host of names since revealing his return, including former WBA heavyweight titlist, Mahmoud Charr.
The Morecambe man retired last January after suffering a second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk and insists his comeback is not motivated by money.
“I love this fight game,” he said on Instagram on Tuesday.
“It’s not for financial gain. I could have retired 10 years ago.
“I’ve made an absolute fortune. It’s not about the money, although I always want a good deal.
“It’s mainly about the love of the fight game and the sport.”
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