Fabio Wardley is eager to face his next heavyweight challenge after a solid start to his career in the paid ranks.
The former Chantry High School pupil finally made his professional debut earlier in the month, having seen four attempts to launch his ring journey put on hold through no fault of his own.
He finally got his first fight, and victory, under his belt when he defeated tricky southpaw Jakob Wojkic on points, at York Hall, in London, and is expected to be in action again over the summer.
“It wasn’t an easy fight and I stressed that I didn’t want an opponent that was going to give me an easy ride,” said the 22-year old Ipswich boxer.
“He was a tough opponent that had only been stopped once, he wasn’t a fat lump who was just going to take punches – it was a very even match-up.
“Coming up against a southpaw was a bit of a shock to the system as I have never sparred with one at that weight, so that was a learning experience and a challenge.
“It gave me an opportunity to find out about myself and prove to my team that I could do it and I am ready to get back in the ring now.”
Wardley, who stands at 6ft 5ins, trains predominantly at the Suffolk Punch stable in Martlesham, but also spends time tuning up in Norwich, having been signed by Shamrock Promotions, which is based in the city.
His debut saw him take on Wojcik on a 14-fight bill that was headlined by the Commonwealth title clash between featherweights Ben Jones and Jason Cunningham.
Asked if his debut was everything he expected, Wardley, a former White Collar boxer explained: “Yes and no.
“It was a challenge being my first fight and it was all a bit surreal until I actually got into the ring and got face-to-face with my opponent.
“Once I was there it finally sunk in that nobody could stop me from having my first professional fight.
“It was a real adrenaline rush but it went so fast once I was in there and everything is done on instinct.
“It was quite tiring in the ring and I got to the fourth round and I was quite tired, whereas in training, I can spar for eight to 10 rounds without a problem.
“It was an unreal experience but one that takes it out of you physically and mentally.”
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