In a stunning upset, British heavyweight Fabio Wardley secured a significant victory over Joseph Parker to earn a shot at the world title against Oleksandr Usyk. The thrilling match at the O2 Arena showcased Wardley’s resilience as he absorbed powerful punches from Parker before ultimately forcing the referee to stop the fight in the explosive 11th round.
Originally, the WBO had mandated Parker to face Usyk, but Parker risked his mandatory challenger status against Wardley, who had transitioned from white-collar boxing to facing a former world champion. Despite Parker’s confidence in his superiority, Wardley persevered through missed opportunities in the second and tenth rounds to turn the tide in the 11th with a decisive right hook that staggered Parker and led to a dramatic stoppage.
Wardley’s journey to this moment included a remarkable 10th-round knockout against Justin Huni and culminated in the prospect of challenging Usyk. Although Usyk was absent from the event, notable figures in the boxing world, such as Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, were in attendance, adding to the anticipation of a potential future showdown.
Throughout the intense matchup, Wardley displayed determination and skill, weathering Parker’s early dominance and staging a comeback in the later rounds. Despite facing adversity in the middle of the fight, Wardley rallied in the 11th round, landing a series of punches that prompted the referee to intervene and declare him the victor.
With this impressive win, Wardley continues to script a remarkable narrative in the sport, setting the stage for a future clash with undisputed world heavyweight champion Usyk in 2026.
