Fabio Wardley has aimed a dig at John Fury's pursuit of Carl Froch and addressed the 60-year-old's comments over a proposed fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Wardley, unbeaten in 21 professional fights, makes the first defence of his WBO world heavyweight title in a blockbuster all-British showdown against Daniel Dubois on May 9 in Manchester.
It's his first bout since being elevated to WBO champion after Usyk opted to relinquish the belt after being ordered to face the British star next.
The 31-year-old had claimed the WBO interim title following his stoppage victory over Joseph Parker last October and eyed a clash against the Ukrainian, who has beaten the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua during his championship reign.
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But had Usyk vs. Wardley got made, John wouldn't have liked his fellow countryman's chances given the 'levels in this sport'.
On whether Wardley is ready to face Usyk, John explained: "If I was guiding Fabio - no, because there are levels in this sport and he’s not there yet. Usyk is a clever fighter with massive experience. We’re talking about a guy (Wardley) who didn’t have an amateur career. Eight fights in a semi-amateur format. You can’t just jump from that level straight to this one.
"Don’t get me wrong - if he lands on Usyk, he’ll flip him upside down. But I’d give him four or five more wins, let him face good opponents, and only then let him go for it when he’s actually ready. You need the right moment with Usyk. Usyk isn’t eternal - he’s 38."
While Wardley accepts there are levels, he insists the supposed gap is a lot closer than fans and critics think.
"I will accept there are levels, but also I'm with the same thought I am definitely much closer than people probably think or assume," he told SPORTbible. "The difference with Usyk is that he's proven at the top level. He's taken on the top guys. I've not done - don't get me wrong, I've done a few - but I've definitely not done as many as he has. So, that's something that just takes time, but I'm willing and ready to jump in."
We couldn't mention 'Big' John without bringing up his proposed fight against Froch, having confronted 'The Cobra' before calling him out to a grudge match on the undercard of his son's comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But Wardley isn't interested in the retired boxer, who was knocked out in his last ring appearance, resuming his career.
"Not a fight many people want to see I don't think," he said of John vs. Froch.
Asked if he wants to see it, he hilariously replied: "No, I don't! No, I don't!"
Whether John actually fights Froch remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure, Wardley is gunning for the big heavyweight names if he can get past Dubois.
Nasir Jabbar