Why I'd Rather Take a Dive Than Fight My Best Mate

By Lewis Barnett 7 June, 2025 7 mins read 50 Views

Listen, I've heard some ridiculous suggestions in boxing over the years, but this one takes the cake.

Some pundit with clearly too much time on their hands floated the idea that Fabio Wardley should fight Dillian Whyte. I mean, seriously? The guy who literally made Wardley's career possible? It's like suggesting someone should punch their own father for a payday.

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The Most Obvious "Hell No" in Boxing History

When I caught up with Wardley about this absurd notion, he just laughed. Not the polite kind of laugh you give journalists - the genuine "are you kidding me" laugh that comes from somewhere deep.

"From the second it would be announced, everybody who knows the sport and who knows us, would know it would be fake," he told me. And honestly? He's right. Anyone with half a brain cell would see through that charade immediately.

The respect between these two runs deeper than most people realize. Whyte didn't just help Wardley - he basically created him. Gave him opportunities when nobody else would. Opened doors that would've stayed locked forever.

"I would never spit in his face and fight him," Wardley said, and you could hear the genuine emotion there.

From White-Collar Nobody to Heavyweight Contender

People love talking about Wardley's journey. White-collar boxer turned recruitment worker turned legitimate heavyweight threat. It sounds like a movie script, doesn't it?

But here's what gets lost in all those feel-good stories - none of it happens without Whyte. Zero. The sparring sessions with Usyk back in 2018 (when Wardley could barely throw a proper jab, by his own admission), the connections, the credibility... all Dillian.

That's why this hypothetical fight is so laughable. Even if every sanctioning body demanded it, even if someone threw stupid money at both fighters, Wardley's response is perfect: "I would take a knee in the first round and give him the win."

Saturday Night at Portman Road (And Other Chaos)

Speaking of things that actually matter, Wardley's got a real fight coming up. This Saturday at Portman Road against Justis Huni, some tough Australian who's not going to roll over.

Whyte was supposed to be on the undercard but pulled out. Smart move, actually - he's lining up something with Lawrence Okolie for the summer. The man hasn't fought in England since November 2022, which feels like a lifetime ago in boxing years.

Remember that whole mess with the Anthony Joshua rematch in 2023? The O2 was sold out, everything was set, then boom - failed drug test and the whole thing gets binned. Whyte's been fighting in Gibraltar and Ireland since then, picking up wins that nobody really cares about.

Baby Due Date vs Fight Night (Peak Chaos)

Here's where things get interesting. Wardley's partner is due to give birth on June 16th. His first kid - a little girl.

Most people would be climbing the walls with anxiety. Fight prep, potential fatherhood, all happening simultaneously? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

But Wardley? The guy's actually thriving on it. "I love the chaos," he told me, and I believe him. This is the same lunatic who went to Ukraine to spar with Usyk when he barely knew what he was doing.

"June 2025 is going to be a wild month I talk a lot about, for the rest of my life," he said. "I will be an old man in a rocking chair, telling people about it and wondering how we pulled it off."

The Fun Dad Strategy

I asked him how fatherhood might change him. His answer was pretty telling.

"I don't know how parenthood will affect me. I do plan to be the fun-dad though. I want mum to do the telling off."

Classic move, honestly. Let someone else be the bad guy while you get to be the hero with ice cream and late bedtimes.

But there's something deeper there too. "I think I will always be driven to push myself in everything, though. That's something just innate in me."

Why Loyalty Still Matters

In a sport where fighters regularly turn on their own mothers for the right price, Wardley's stance is refreshing.

This is a guy who cracked Frazer Clarke's skull in their rematch last October - literally fractured the man's head - but still comes across as the nicest person you'd ever meet. That combination of brutal efficiency and genuine decency is rare.

The fact that he'd rather throw a fight than betray his mentor says everything you need to know about his character. In an era where loyalty is treated like a weakness, Wardley's making it look like a superpower.

Some fights just shouldn't happen. This is one of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks associated with professional boxing?

Like any contact sport, professional boxing is not without its risks. They include acute injuries, such as cuts and bruises, broken bone, head trauma, and potential chronic conditions caused by repeated impacts, such concussion syndromes, or neurological disorders. Boxing regulations, safety gear, and proper training can help reduce risks. However, they cannot be completely eliminated. Boxing professionally requires you to accept and understand these risks.

Anyone can learn how to box professionally.

Not everyone can compete at the professional level. The combination of talent, physical ability, mental toughness and dedication is required for professional boxing. Prospective boxers must also be willing to face the inherent risks of the sport. A thorough evaluation by a trainer will help determine the potential of a person to have a successful career in boxing.

How does a boxer progress from amateur level to professional level?

Transitioning from amateur to professional boxing entails a significant step up in competition, training intensity, and mental preparation. An amateur must demonstrate a high level of performance by taking part in local or national competitions. It is crucial to acquire a boxing license, and align yourself with experienced trainers and managers who can guide your career decisions and secure you professional bouts.

Are there age restrictions for learning to box professionally?

Professional boxing has age restrictions. Most boxing federations require that boxers are at least 18 to fight professionally. There is no upper limit to the age that a person can safely compete, but there are factors such as physical abilities and health. It is important that older athletes are thoroughly evaluated for risk and fitness before they take up a professional sport.

How important are physical conditioning and training for professional boxers?

Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands that athletes have high levels in strength, speed, stamina, and agility. Professional boxers should follow a tailored fitness plan that includes aerobic and aerobic workouts, strength and endurance training, and flexible exercises. The ability of a boxer to train and perform effectively is compromised without a superior level of physical conditioning.

What kind diet should an amateur boxer follow to improve their performance?

A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. The general recommendation is to eat a combination of carbohydrates and proteins for energy. Lean protein helps repair and grow muscles, while healthy fats are good for your overall health. As well, vitamins, minerals and hydration are essential. Consulting with a sports nutritionist can provide a personalized diet plan that aligns with the boxer's training regimen and weight class targets.

How important are mental toughness and professional boxing in the world of sport?

Mental toughness and physical conditioning are equally important in professional boxing. The sport requires resilience, focus and the ability to handle stress, as well as the psychological fortitude needed to overcome adversity. Mental preparation includes visualization, stress management, and developing a mindset that is ready to face the challenges in the ring. A boxer without mental toughness may find it difficult to perform well under the extreme conditions of a professional competition.

Statistics

Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.

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How To

How to Balance Boxing Training with Rest and Recovery

Balance between training, rest, and recovery are essential in preventing injury and burnout. Integrate rest days in your training schedule so that your body can recover. Watch your body’s reactions. Signs of overtraining are excessive fatigue or insomnia. Walking or yoga are good ways to maintain fitness and aid in muscle recovery. Pay attention to nutrition and sleep, which are both important for recovery.