In a thrilling match at the O2 Arena, British heavyweight Fabio Wardley achieved a significant victory over Joseph Parker, securing a title shot against Oleksandr Usyk. Despite taking heavy punches from Parker, Wardley displayed resilience and ultimately forced the referee to halt the fight in the explosive 11th round.
Initially ordered to face Usyk, Parker risked his mandatory challenger status against Wardley, who transitioned from white-collar boxing to facing a former world champion. Despite Parker’s confidence in his superiority, Wardley persisted through tough moments in the 10th and second rounds.
The match took a turn in the 11th round when Wardley landed a decisive blow on Parker, leading to a series of punches that prompted the referee to stop the fight dramatically. This victory added to Wardley’s remarkable journey, following his impressive knockout of Justin Huni in June.
With Usyk absent, notable figures like Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois were present ringside, setting the stage for a potential future showdown. The intense battle between Wardley and Parker captivated the audience, with Wardley showcasing his determination and skill to secure a shot at Usyk in the future.