🔗 Share this article GB's Wardley Stops Parker in Massive Heavyweight Surprise Fabio Wardley kept his unbeaten record, advancing to 20 wins and one draw Published: 26 October 2025 Comments: 106 Fabio Wardley achieved a massive upset to wreck Joseph Parker's hopes of becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday and positioned himself in position for a chance at unbeaten champion Oleksandr Usyk. Impressive Comeback Victory The UK fighter is now the primary contender for the Ukrainian after he claimed a stunning comeback victory by stopping the seasoned New Zealander in the 11th round of an thrilling and tough battle at London's O2 Arena. Wardley, 30, claimed the WBO 'interim' title when he compelled referee Howard Foster to end the bout as he swarmed former world champion Parker, who had been significantly damaged in the 10th by a right uppercut. Powerful Celebration The Ipswich native got the crowd to their feet and collapsed to the floor in jubilation as his training team rushed into the ring to rejoice. They were superb scenes as the previous white-collar boxer maintained his outstanding rise in the professional ranks. Debated Stoppage There was an argument that the stoppage was early, especially given Parker had controlled for extended periods of the fight and injured Wardley multiple occasions with right hands. But the 33-year-old New Zealander gave little argument when Foster stepped in and his trainer Andy Lee did not seem to object as his man experienced his fourth pro defeat. Wardley's After-Match Comments "I said all the way through this lead-up that we picked Joseph Parker because I feel I'm at the top and I showed I'm at the top," said Wardley. "All praise to Joseph, he can't get enough esteem and he merits all the esteem from the boxing community. He accepted a chance when he didn't have to, and we realized he wasn't going anywhere quickly. We had to choose our spots and ultimately we got them out of there." Decisive Round It was a right uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which shifted the bout decisively back in favour of the outsider. This was Wardley's 20th career win and his most important. Usyk now potentially awaits early next year. Parker risked his standing as the top contender for Usyk's championship by accepting this fight, dropping to his fourth pro defeat. Promoter's Confident Outlook Wardley's promoter Frank Warren told DAZN: "Usyk said he wants to do it, so that's what it will be. It's a 36-minute fight and it only requires one second from him." Wardley's Remarkable Journey Progresses Wardley observed Parker's world title fight against Anthony Joshua in 2018 from a pub It was a who's who of the British heavyweight category in the arena with Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma, Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte among the onlookers. Usyk was not here, but he was the man this bout was all for. Wardley walked to the ring dressed in Ipswich Town hues with the football club's crest displayed on his kit. Impressive Career Progression He commented in the build-up how it was extraordinary that when Parker was claiming the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only competing in white-collar boxing. Yet here he was on the equivalent level as the experienced Kiwi in a fight to establish the next challenger for Usyk, the best heavyweight of this period. Fight Analysis With Lee in his corner, Parker was on a red-hot run coming into this bout of six wins including victories over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole. As chants of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' echoed around the arena, Parker secured control with a ramrod of a jab that soon caused blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose. The conclusion to the first three minutes was emphatic from the favourite as Parker powered through with a strong of a right hand. Dramatic Momentum Shift Parker's control disappeared when a right hand from Wardley shook him in the second. It would be a forerunner to what would follow later in the fight. It was a perfect shot and raised those ringside to their feet as the New Zealander looked shaky on his. The knowledge of Parker, in his 40th career fight, looked like it was going to be vital here. Wardley was always risky, but Parker was connecting the better shots through the middle rounds. Final Rounds and Victory The Kiwi's left uppercuts to the body and right hands over the top were a particular highlight, but Wardley's own backhand remained a danger. The fight appeared to be waning in the eighth before it erupted back into life and swung decisively back in Wardley's favor in the 10th. He ensured his stunning story would get another chapter against Usyk when he overwhelmed Parker in the 11th with a volley of shots which pressured Foster to act. It may have been quick but Wardley will contend that Parker was taking substantial punishment. Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley? Wardley has 19 KOs in 20 bouts, having a 95% stoppage rate Usyk sought a medical exemption to delay his required defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his consultant Serge Lapin recently confirmed that the undefeated champion was prepared to face the winner of this bout. Warren will now look to arrange that fight next year for his man. Quick Ascent to the Top With just twenty-one career fights on the back of no amateur background having arrived from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still raw and his ascent to this position has been considerably accelerated. But now he is in a position to challenge the top heavyweight of this era which is a cinematic tale. Parker's Future Options Parker will now have to carefully evaluate his next step, given his age and how long he has been competing at the top level. He undertook a huge gamble here and his chances of reclaiming a piece of the world heavyweight crown have been lessened.