From the outset, Wardley sets the tone for the report: "I'm Fabio Wardley. You're watching my episode of On the Ground on DAZN."
Despite the magnitude of the upcoming fight, the overall atmosphere in the camp remains calm and professional. "Yeah, look, largely business as usual," Wardley comments. "The only real difference is obviously stylistically, planning for him as an opponent. He's got different attributes and things like that. But our camps have been going well and we as a team have been building on them consistently for years."
A Scientific Approach to Strength and Speed
Wardley's training process is a synthesis of time-tested methods and modern technology. Under the guidance of Strength and Conditioning Coach Danny Wilson, Fabio is honing every aspect of his physical form.
"Yeah, it's business as usual, it's a tried and tested method now," Wilson explains. "Fabio has been on the program for five years. He's hitting the numbers that are absolutely unbelievable pound-for-pound as well, not only just for heavyweights. But like his air bike scores, his jump height, everything like that... and it's all about getting to that peak performance again."
Special attention is paid to explosive power—a key quality for a heavyweight. During one of the workouts, Wardley performs a series of jumps, and the results impress even his team. "47.1!" a coach exclaims after one leap.
Team Spirit and Tattoos with Meaning
The Wardley camp is more than just a training facility; it's a real family. Even in the midst of grueling exercises, there is room for jokes and friendly wagers. In one episode, head coach Rob Hodgins loses a £100 bet after failing to match his fighter's impressive jump height.
Beyond the training, the video also reveals the boxer's personal side. Wardley shared the story behind one of his tattoos—a teapot on his wrist. Contrary to what one might assume, it's not just a tribute to his love for tea.
"It actually means family," Fabio shares. "Me and my family are very close... and after COVID, when we were allowed to spend time together, we would just make up what we would call a 'tea party' and just gather as a family and get together. A bunch of us have the same tattoo in the same place. So, me, my cousins, my auntie, even my nan and my mum, they've got the same one all in the same place as well."
His father and trainer, Rob Hodgins, also shows off a tattoo dedicated to his son's achievements: "Fabio Wardley, English Heavyweight Champion, 1st August 2020. British Heavyweight Champion, 26th November 2022."
As October 25 approaches, Fabio Wardley appears calm and intensely focused. He is confident in the work he has put in and ready for the biggest challenge of his career. "I've been building and building and building all the way through my career to get myself to this point," he says. "Joseph Parker is one hell of a competitor in front of me, but I'm right on the edge of grabbing or putting my hands on a world title. So, I'm not letting anything get in front of me."