British heavyweight Fabio Wardley achieved a significant victory over Joseph Parker, securing a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk. The fight took place at the O2 Arena, where Wardley displayed his resilience by absorbing powerful punches from Parker before the referee stopped the bout in the 11th round.
Originally, the WBO had mandated Parker to face Usyk, but Parker risked his mandatory challenger status by facing Wardley, who transitioned from white-collar boxing to challenging a former world champion in 2016. Despite Parker’s confidence in being superior to Wardley, the latter persisted through tough moments in the match, especially in the second and tenth rounds.
Wardley’s determination paid off in the 11th round when he landed a decisive blow on Parker, leading to a flurry of strikes that forced the referee to intervene and declare Wardley the victor. This win added to Wardley’s previous success in defeating Justin Huni in June, setting the stage for a future showdown with Usyk.
Although Usyk was not present at the fight, notable figures like Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Moses Itauma were in attendance. The match between veterans Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte was also announced during the event. Wardley’s performance against Parker showcased his tenacity and skill, positioning him for a shot at the undisputed world heavyweight title in the future.
