Tyson Fury foresaw issues for Joseph Parker against Fabio Wardley before his defeat, as revealed by Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager. The duo discussed their views prior to the O2 Arena main event where Parker defended his WBO interim title against Wardley for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk.
Wardley delivered a career-defining performance by stopping Parker, the former world champion, in the 11th round with a flurry of punches, prompting the referee to intervene. Despite being behind on the judges’ scorecards, Wardley’s victory surprised many, but Fury’s earlier prediction hinted at the challenging night Parker would face.
In an interview with iFL TV, Brown quoted Fury saying that Wardley’s unorthodox style would trouble Parker due to his unique punching angles. Following his triumph, Wardley expressed confidence in his abilities, emphasizing his belief in being at the pinnacle of his game.
With the spotlight now on Wardley for a potential bout against Usyk, promoter Frank Warren eyes a March showdown for the British fighter. Negotiations are underway, with Warren expressing optimism about reaching an agreement for the anticipated clash, likely to take place in Riyadh or London.
Despite Warren’s enthusiasm, Derek Chisora advised Wardley to steer clear of Usyk and consider facing Daniel Dubois instead. Chisora, acknowledging Wardley’s toughness, praised his performance and predicted his victory. However, he cautioned against challenging Usyk immediately, suggesting a fight with Dubois first.
In another boxing event, Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker are set to collide in Manchester on November 1, with the undercard starting around 6pm UK time. The headline fight is expected to feature Parker before Buatsi makes his entrance, all to be broadcast live on DAZN for a subscription fee.
These updates in the boxing world highlight the evolving landscape of the sport with exciting matchups on the horizon, promising fans compelling encounters and thrilling spectacles.