British heavyweight Fabio Wardley achieved a significant victory by defeating Joseph Parker in a surprising turn of events, positioning himself for a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk. The intense battle at the O2 Arena showcased Wardley’s resilience as he absorbed powerful blows from Parker before forcing the referee to stop the fight in the explosive 11th round.
Despite the WBO’s directive for Parker to face Usyk, he risked his mandatory challenger status against Wardley, who transitioned from white-collar boxing to face the former world champion. While Parker initially appeared to outclass the 30-year-old, Wardley seized the opportunity in the 11th round with a decisive right hook that staggered Parker, leading to a series of punches that culminated in a dramatic stoppage.
Wardley’s journey to this moment included a remarkable 10th-round knockout victory over Justin Huni in June, setting the stage for his encounter with Usyk. Although Usyk was not present at the London event, the audience included notable figures like Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Moses Itauma. The fight marked a turning point in Wardley’s career as he capitalized on the opportunity to face the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
Throughout the match, Wardley demonstrated his determination, weathering Parker’s attacks and delivering his own strategic blows. Despite facing adversity in the middle rounds, Wardley’s perseverance paid off in the 11th round when he unleashed a series of punches that secured his victory. With this triumph, Wardley added another remarkable chapter to his boxing story, paving the way for a shot at the undisputed world heavyweight title against Usyk in the future.