Fabio Wardley may soon be celebrating a solid night’s sleep with the same gusto as a knockout victory in front of 20,000 home fans.
As the British heavyweight prepares for arguably the toughest test of his career on Saturday, there is another monumental challenge waiting for him outside the ropes – becoming a father.
The 30-year-old’s partner is due to give birth to their first child just a week after Wardley fulfils a long-held dream: fighting at the home of his beloved Ipswich Town Football Club against undefeated Australian contender Justis Huni.
With a midwife appointment just 30 minutes away, Wardley candidly speaks to BBC Sport about the uncertainty of impending parenthood.
“I don’t know if I’m nervous about changing nappies or not,” he jokes.
“Fighting is at least something I have control over and have done a few times, so I know what I’m doing.
“But this whole new stage after this fight – being a dad – is going to be a whole different realm.”
Should Wardley approach fatherhood with the same mindset that he has driven his boxing career – dedication, a hunger to learn and a fierce determination to embrace the journey – he should be fine.
At 19, Wardley was working in recruitment, having never laced up a pair of gloves. A decade later, a victory over Huni will move him one step closer to a world-title shot – possibly as early 2026.
“You never know when the call could come and it’s you at the front of the queue,” he says. “I’ll certainly be putting my hand up and saying ‘I’m ready’.”
