Fabio Wardley may soon be celebrating a solid night of sleep with the same enthusiasm as a knockout victory in front of 20,000 home fans.
While the British heavyweight prepares for the hardest test of his career on Saturday, there is another monumental challenge waiting for him outside the strings – becoming father.
The 30 -year -old’s partner should give birth to his first child just a week after Wardley fulfills a longtime dream: fighting at the house of his beloved Ipswich Town soccer club against Australian competitor Justis Huni.
With a midwife appointment just 30 minutes, Wardley openly talks to BBC Sport about the uncertainty of imminent parenting.
“I don’t know if I’m nervous about changing diapers or not,” he jokes.
“Fighting is at least something I have control and I did a few times, so I know what I’m doing.
“But all this new stage after this fight – being a father – will be a totally different kingdom.”
If Wardley approaches paternity with the same mindset that he took his career of boxing – dedication, a hunger to learn, and a fierce determination to embrace the journey – he should be fine.
At 19, Wardley was working on recruitment, never having thrown a pair of gloves. A decade later, a victory over Huni will take him a step closer to a world title shot – possibly in early 2026.
“You never know when the call can come and it’s you in front of the line,” he says. “I will certainly lift my hand and say ‘I’m ready’.”
