The Barista, 30, stopped Big D, 29, in their 2023 British title fight and has since climbed to world level after dethroning Joseph Parker, 33, but Adeleye is determined to claim revenge over Wardley.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Adeleye said: “The WBO world champion. That would be nice. He obviously knows he’s got a target on his back being world champion … It would be good to get it in 2026. I get to right my wrong.”

Adeleye enters the new year rebuilding after losing a unanimous decision to Filip Hrgovic, 33, in his last outing, a fight in which Adeleye briefly hurt the Croatian before being outboxed down the stretch.

Adeleye said: “I don’t need to soul-search because I know who I am. It didn’t go my way. I was angry, very angry … but you’ve got to get back on that horse and carry on riding.”

Adeleye believes the experience has strengthened his mentality and insists the setback will serve as motivation as he looks to rejoin the world-title trail in 2025 and beyond.

He said: “I know the man I am. I know what I can and can’t do in the ring.

“These are opponents I should be beating… it just helps me have that little drive and fire.”

Adeleye will return to the ring on December 19, when he fights in Nigeria, a bout he hopes will propel him back into major contention ahead of a crucial year.

He said: “I think it propels me, puts me in good stead for next year. This fight puts me there — if I put on a performance, everyone’s going to know.

“Come December 19 people are going to know.”

A rematch with Wardley remains an ambitious but realistic aim, as Wardley - who defended his unbeaten record to claim the WBO title after beating Parker - has become one of the fastest-rising heavyweights in world boxing.

With mandatory obligations and a growing queue of challengers, including the likes of Jared Anderson, 26, Frank Sanchez, 33, and Zhan Kossobutskiy, 37, Adeleye accepts he may not be first in line but believes sustained winning will bring the opportunity.

Wardley has not ruled out the possibility of facing Adeleye again and has previously spoken about proving himself against all domestic rivals.

The pair’s rivalry, fuelled by their heated build-up in 2023, remains one of the most marketable match-ups in the British heavyweight scene.

For Adeleye, he is determined to build momentum, climb the rankings and force Wardley into a second meeting.

He said: “It’s about getting back on that horse and getting back in the race.”