2<\/p>\n Okolie believes he deserves a shot at Wardley, but is currently ranked outside of the top 15 by the WBOCredit: PA<\/p>\n But Usyk elected to give up the WBO belt<\/a> from his collection which was awarded to the Ipswich native.<\/p>\n It changed the complex for his 2026, as he now is set for a maiden world title defence likely against a challenger of his choice.<\/p>\n Daniel Dubois<\/a> has been heavily linked with a showdown, and will likely be open to challenging for a belt against instantly after his defeat to Usyk.<\/p>\n But Wardley’s British rival Lawrence Okolie, who is a newcomer to the division, believes he should be next in line.<\/p>\n Read More In Boxing<\/p>\n He said: \u201cOleksandr Usyk didn\u2019t want to fight Fabio Wardley<\/a> for whatever reason so he becomes the champion. <\/p>\n “I think he earned it and that\u2019s the fight that I want next if I win this one.<\/p>\n \u201cI think the most direct route to a world title would be Fabio because he’s a world champion now. <\/p>\n “It’s a fight that will be spoken about behind the scenes, but I do want that one. I think Fabio is a much easier fight than Usyk will be.”<\/p>\n On his chances of victory, he added: “It’s because when I watch him stylistically, I think he’s very, very exciting and dangerous. However, he’s got holes that kind of match up well with my style. <\/p>\n “But I think before he gets to that point, if you’re able to kind of execute your own game plan, I think it will be a pretty basic night.”<\/p>\n![\"Lawrence](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ovo-arena-wembley-london-picture-955428090.jpg\")
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![\"LONDON,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/JPFB4602.jpg\")
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