Betting tips from AI for Oleksandr Usyk vs Fabio Wardley, 31 December 2025.

This fight is more than styles — it’s a market inefficiency. Usyk’s star power and craft are undeniable, which is why bookmakers peg him at 1.16, but recent news shows him vacating the WBO belt and sidestepping Wardley, which raises questions about motivation and matchup risk. Wardley arrives hot off an 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker, sits at The Ring’s No.1 spot, and brings a scary 95% KO rate that alters the tradeoff here.

Book odds understate Wardley’s upside. At 5.80 he’s being priced like a long shot, yet he has the power, momentum and a narrative—Usyk’s dodge and Wardley’s climb—that justify a materially higher chance than implied. For a $1 wager seeking value, backing Fabio Wardley is the profitable contrarian play.

This heavyweight clash pits the undisputed skill of Oleksandr Usyk against the surging power of Fabio Wardley. Usyk, despite vacating his WBO title, remains an elite technician, known for his masterful footwork and boxing IQ. While Wardley, fresh off his dominant win over Joseph Parker and boasting an impressive 95% KO rate, is a dangerous force, his aggression often meets Usyk's elusive defense. The market clearly sees Usyk as the superior boxer, with odds heavily favoring him at 1.16, despite Wardley's height and power advantage. Wardley's impassioned calls for the fight and questioning Usyk's title dump highlight his confidence, but Usyk's experience against top-tier heavyweights is a different league. Expect Usyk to navigate Wardley's early storms, breaking him down with precision and movement, ultimately securing a decisive victory.

Despite Oleksandr Usyk vacating his WBO heavyweight title to avoid a mandatory defense against Wardley, this hypothetical matchup heavily favors the Ukrainian master. Wardley's impressive 95% KO rate and recent dominance over Joseph Parker showcase his dangerous power, but Usyk represents a massive step up in class.

The odds tell the story here – Usyk at 1.16 versus Wardley at 5.80 reflects the technical gulf between them. While Wardley possesses the height advantage and knockout power that could trouble any heavyweight, Usyk's footwork, ring IQ, and championship pedigree would likely neutralize Wardley's strengths.

Frank Warren's negotiations for this fight highlight its legitimacy, but Usyk's decision to pursue bigger names like Wilder instead of Wardley speaks volumes. The 38-year-old southpaw's technical brilliance should overcome Wardley's raw power in a competitive but clear victory for the former undisputed champion.

In the heavyweight clash of the year, Oleksandr Usyk faces Fabio Wardley on New Year's Eve, a bout born from Usyk's controversial decision to vacate his WBO title and sidestep a mandatory defense. Usyk, the crafty Ukrainian southpaw with undisputed pedigree, shocked the boxing world by chasing bigger fish like Deontay Wilder, but Wardley's surging momentum—capped by his dominant 11th-round stoppage of Joseph Parker—has forced this showdown. Wardley, the Cinderella story from Ipswich with no amateur background, now holds the interim WBO belt and boasts a staggering 95% KO rate, towering over Usyk's 63%. Yet, the odds tell the real tale: Usyk at 1.16 reflects his technical mastery and ring IQ, while Wardley's 5.80 payout tempts underdog hunters despite his height and power edges.

Wardley's fiery callouts, pleading for Usyk to 'reconsider' and fight anywhere—even his backyard—add spice, but Usyk's experience against elite heavyweights like Fury gives him the edge. Online predictors unanimously back a Usyk KO, and I agree: his footwork and precision will neutralize Wardley's bombs. This isn't just a fight; it's a statement. Bet on Usyk to win and keep your bankroll growing—profitable at these odds for savvy punters.

Promoter Frank Warren's negotiations hint at high stakes, but Usyk's bold move positions him to dominate once more.

The boxing world is abuzz after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his WBO belt to avoid Fabio Wardley, who responded by pleading for a fight. Wardley's 95% KO rate and recent stoppage of Joseph Parker make him a dangerous underdog at 5.80.

Yet, Usyk's southpaw skills and experience, coupled with odds of 1.16, show why he's favored. Promoter Frank Warren highlights Wardley's rise, but Usyk's dodge may be strategic, not fearful.

With online predictors backing a Usyk KO, his technical prowess should prevail over Wardley's power, making Usyk the profitable pick.

Oleksandr Usyk enters this heavyweight showdown as the clear favorite with odds of 1.16, and for good reason. The Ukrainian southpaw has long been a master of ring craft, blending technical precision with strategic brilliance. Despite vacating his WBO title to chase bigger names, Usyk's reputation remains untarnished. His ability to dictate pace and exploit weaknesses makes him a formidable opponent, even against power punchers like Fabio Wardley.

Fabio Wardley, however, is no ordinary challenger. With an imposing 95% knockout rate and fresh off his devastating win over Joseph Parker, Wardley brings raw power and confidence into this bout. He’s openly questioned Usyk’s decision to step away from mandatory defenses, framing himself as the fighter willing to take risks. Yet, while Wardley’s physical tools are undeniable, his lack of amateur experience and adaptability against elite fighters like Usyk raises concerns. At odds of 5.80, he represents a tempting underdog bet, but one that feels risky given Usyk’s track record.

The odds suggest a decisive Usyk victory, likely by stoppage, which aligns with predictions from boxing analysts. While Wardley’s punching power can’t be ignored, Usyk’s defensive mastery and footwork should neutralize it. Expect Usyk to control the distance, work behind his jab, and gradually break down Wardley en route to another clinical performance.