Fabio Wardley has declared himself "extremely keen" to put his WBO world heavyweight title on the line against Tyson Fury following the former champion's announcement that he is returning to the ring.
The 37-year-old confirmed his latest comeback via Instagram on Sunday, naming Wardley among several potential opponents as he documented his training camp in Thailand.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday, the 31-year-old British champion made clear the interest is entirely mutual.
"It was good [to be named on Tyson Fury's hit list] because he was already on mine. It makes no difference to me," Wardley said.
Tyson Fury has revealed he would be open to fighting Fabio Wardley next
|PA
Wardley issued a stark warning to Fury, suggesting the former unified champion may be underestimating what awaits him should the bout materialise.
"He may be looking at it like it might be an easy touch for him to roll out of retirement, come into a fight, pick up a world title and go on to bigger things, but as fighters of late have found out, I'm quite the banana skin," Wardley cautioned.
The unbeaten Briton expressed supreme confidence in his abilities at the elite level.
"I'd back myself against anyone in this division. That much has been proven about me," he added.
Wardley's path to world championship status came through elevation rather than conquest, with Oleksandr Usyk opting to vacate the WBO belt after being ordered to make a mandatory defence against the British heavyweight.
Now holding the title, Wardley has made clear he has no intention of protecting it through careful matchmaking.
Fabio Wardley could be Tyson Fury's next opponent | PA"Look, it's something I'd be really keen for because I'm not shying away from big fights. I haven't got a world title just to take easy fights and hold onto it, and hide away with it," he explained.
"The biggest names out there are the guys I want to be in fights with."
Beyond Fury, another prominent domestic clash has emerged as a possibility for the WBO champion.
Fabio Wardley has said he would be open to fighting Tyson Fury
| REUTERSDerek Chisora, who intends to bow out of professional boxing after his 50th contest in the coming months, has been linked with a potential showdown against Wardley.
The champion indicated he would welcome the opportunity to provide the veteran with his farewell bout.
"It would be a nice way to send him packing [into retirement] for his 50th fight. Credit to him for all he's done in the sport," Wardley remarked.
He added with characteristic confidence: "It's only going to end one way."