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.
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."
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.
"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.”
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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