Wardley vs Parker: Usyk Awaits as Heavyweight Stakes Rise

Wardley Ready to Seize Heavyweight Spotlight in Parker Showdown

Fabio Wardley has vowed to prove his place among the world’s elite by knocking out former world champion Joseph Parker on 25 October at London’s O2 Arena, in a clash that could define the next WBO world title challenger.

Wardley, 30, has been steadily climbing the ranks and currently sits high in the WBA rankings. But instead of waiting for a recovering Oleksandr Usyk, he’s chosen to face WBO interim champion Parker, who is ranked number two in the world.

“It wasn’t really much of a consideration,” Wardley told BBC Sport.

“I believe I belong with the top heavyweights. And what better way to prove it than beating Parker?”

Parker Frustrated but Focused

Joseph Parker, 33, is on a resurgent run, having racked up impressive wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole. Yet, despite being on the cusp of multiple world title shots, misfortune has struck twice.

In February, his bout with Daniel Dubois was cancelled during fight week. A scheduled clash with Usyk has also been postponed due to the Ukrainian’s medical delay.

“Every fight is a risk,” said Parker. “But I don’t want to just sit around waiting for Usyk. I want to stay active.”

The WBO has granted Usyk a 90-day medical extension to negotiate with Parker, delaying clarity until December. There’s a chance Usyk vacates before then, but Parker is refusing to bank on it.

Wardley Treats It Like a Title Fight

Wardley, who started his career in white collar boxing, has shocked many with his rapid rise. Despite no official world title being confirmed yet, he sees this bout as a career-defining moment.

“This is already a world title fight in my eyes,” said Wardley.

“Parker is my biggest test. We both know what’s at stake.”

And while both men remained composed at the initial press conference, Wardley hinted at the inevitable drama to come.

“I don’t see this going the distance. One way or another, it ends with a knockout.”

The winner will almost certainly be first in line to face undisputed champion Usyk, assuming the Ukrainian retains his belts. For now, the rest of the heavyweight division waits, while Wardley and Parker go to war.