Joseph Parker has dismissed any discussions about facing Oleksandr Usyk at the moment and has committed to defeating Fabio Wardley in their upcoming heavyweight showdown.
The 33-year-old New Zealand athlete is ready to make a comeback in the ring against the formidable Wardley on Saturday night. Parker’s year has been challenging, with a missed opportunity to fight Daniel Dubois for the world title earlier in the year due to Dubois withdrawing just two days before the match.
Following an impressive knockout victory over Martin Bakole on short notice, Parker was in line to fight Usyk, but the Ukrainian opted to face Dubois instead. Usyk later triumphed over Dubois in a spectacular knockout in front of a massive crowd at Wembley Stadium.
Despite being ordered to defend his titles against Parker, Usyk requested a postponement citing an injury, although videos surfaced showing him dancing at a concert. An extension was granted to Usyk pending an investigation, with the condition that he must face the winner of the Parker-Wardley showdown.
Parker emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming fight, declaring it as a pivotal moment for him. He expressed confidence in his abilities and determination to succeed. Wardley, on the other hand, welcomes the challenge and believes he can overcome the odds against the undefeated Parker.
Wardley, who has had notable victories in his recent fights, including a thrilling comeback knockout against Justis Huni, acknowledges his knockout power but emphasizes his overall boxing skills and intelligence.
With the fight set to take place at the O2 in London, Parker remains focused solely on his current opponent and the task at hand. Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that the winner of the match will earn a shot at Usyk for the WBO belt and the chance to unify the other titles.
The highly anticipated clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, at the O2 Arena in London. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN for a fee, offering fans the opportunity to witness this thrilling encounter.
