White-collar fighter out to rule the world

FABIO'S RISE FROM HIS PUB SEAT TO TITLE TILT

- BY MARTIN DOMIN

FABIO WARDLEY was just another bloke down the pub when Joseph Parker first caught his eye.

The Kiwi was taking on fellow heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in 2018.

Two hundred miles away in Ipswich, recruitment consultant Wardley was enjoying a night out with his mates.

And there would be no jumping from his stool to shadowbox as if it were him in the ring.

Because Wardley, then 23, probably sank more pints that night than he'd had professional fights.

But fast forward seven years and victory over Parker at London's O2 on October 25 could be enough to see him crowned world champion.