British heavyweight Fabio Wardley achieved a significant victory by defeating Joseph Parker, securing a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk. The fight, held at the O2 Arena, showcased Wardley’s resilience as he absorbed powerful punches from Parker before the referee halted the match in the explosive 11th round.
Despite the WBO’s directive for Parker to face Usyk, he risked his mandatory challenger status by taking on Wardley, who transitioned from white-collar boxing while Parker was already a world champion in 2016. Parker, initially expected to outclass his younger opponent, faced a tough challenge throughout the match.
In a thrilling turn of events, Wardley landed a decisive blow in the 11th round, staggering Parker with a massive right hand and sealing the victory with a flurry of punches. This win added to Wardley’s remarkable journey in the sport, following his impressive knockout against Justin Huni in June.
Usyk, the undisputed world heavyweight champion, was absent from the event, but the arena was filled with notable figures from the boxing world, including Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. The intense battle between Wardley and Parker captivated the audience, culminating in Wardley’s triumph and setting the stage for a future clash with Usyk.
Wardley’s determination and fighting spirit were evident as he weathered Parker’s attacks and ultimately emerged victorious, earning a shot at the coveted world heavyweight title.