British heavyweight Fabio Wardley achieved a significant victory by defeating Joseph Parker, paving his way to a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk. The thrilling match at the O2 Arena showcased Wardley’s resilience as he absorbed heavy blows from Parker before the fight was halted in the 11th round by referee Howard Foster.
Initially, Parker was mandated by the WBO to face Usyk, but he risked his mandatory challenger status to take on Wardley, who transitioned from white-collar boxing while Parker was already a world champion in 2016. Despite Parker’s confidence in his superiority, Wardley persisted and eventually seized the opportunity in the 11th round with a powerful right hand that staggered Parker, leading to a dramatic stoppage.
Wardley’s journey to this moment included a remarkable 10th-round knockout against Justin Huni in June, despite being behind on the scorecards. With Usyk as his next target, Wardley continued his impressive streak of victories. Despite Usyk’s absence from the event, notable figures in the boxing world such as Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and others were present to witness Wardley’s triumph.
The intense battle saw Wardley weather early storms from Parker, showcasing his determination and skill in a back-and-forth contest. Wardley’s persistence paid off in the 11th round when he landed significant blows that ultimately secured his victory. The win sets up a highly anticipated showdown with Usyk in the future, marking another milestone in Wardley’s remarkable boxing career.