🔗 Share this article Great Britain's Wardley Defeats Parker in Major Heavyweight Upset Fabio Wardley preserved his unbeaten record, improving to 20 successful bouts and one tied match Published: 26 October 2025 Comments: 106 Fabio Wardley pulled off a massive upset to destroy Joseph Parker's hopes of securing a double world heavyweight champion on Saturday and positioned himself in line for a opportunity at unbeaten champion Oleksandr Usyk. Impressive Comeback Victory The British fighter is now the primary competitor for the Ukrainian after he earned a impressive comeback victory by halting the seasoned New Zealander in the 11th round of an entertaining and tough battle at London's O2 Arena. Wardley, 30, won the WBO 'interim' title when he compelled referee Howard Foster to end the bout as he swarmed previous world champion Parker, who had been hurt badly in the 10th by a right uppercut. Powerful Celebration The Ipswich native raised the crowd to their feet and dropped to the floor in triumph as his corner team flooded into the ring to rejoice. They were magnificent scenes as the ex white-collar boxer extended his remarkable rise in the boxing world. Debated Stoppage There was an discussion that the intervention was untimely, especially given Parker had controlled for significant portions of the fight and hurt Wardley multiple occasions with powerful rights. But the 33-year-old New Zealander gave little objection when Foster intervened and his trainer Andy Lee did not appear to remonstrate as his man suffered his fourth professional defeat. Wardley's Victory Comments "I stated all the way through this build-up that we selected Joseph Parker because I believe I'm at the top and I showed I'm at the top," commented Wardley. "All recognition to Joseph, he can't get enough respect and he merits all the admiration from the boxing fraternity. He took a chance when he didn't have to, and we understood he wasn't going anywhere quickly. We had to choose our spots and ultimately we got them out of there." Turning Point It was a right uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which shifted the bout clearly back in favour of the longshot. This was Wardley's 20th pro win and his most crucial. Usyk now likely awaits early next year. Parker endangered his ranking as the top contender for Usyk's crown by taking this fight, declining to his fourth career defeat. Promoter's Positive Outlook Wardley's promoter Frank Warren stated to DAZN: "Usyk declared he wants to do it, so that's what it will be. It's a half-hour fight and it only takes one second from him." Wardley's Extraordinary Journey Progresses Wardley watched Parker's world title fight against Anthony Joshua in 2018 from a pub It was a who's who of the British heavyweight scene 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 decked out in Ipswich Town hues with the football club's crest featured on his kit. Significant Career Progression He spoke in the preparation how it was amazing that when Parker was winning the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only participating in white-collar boxing. Yet here he was on the equivalent level as the seasoned Kiwi in a fight to determine the next challenger for Usyk, the greatest heavyweight of this period. Fight Breakdown With Lee in his corner, Parker was on a red-hot run coming into this bout of six victories including successes over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole. As shouts of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' resounded around the arena, Parker secured control with a stiff of a jab that soon brought blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose. The finish to the first three minutes was forceful from the expected winner as Parker stormed through with a powerful of a right hand. Thrilling Momentum Shift Parker's control disappeared when a right hand from Wardley rocked him in the second. It would be a precursor to what would happen later in the fight. It was a perfect shot and got those ringside to their feet as the New Zealander looked shaky on his. The knowledge of Parker, in his fortieth pro fight, looked like it was going to be vital here. Wardley was always dangerous, but Parker was landing 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 specific strength, but Wardley's own backhand remained a threat. The fight looked to be losing steam in the eighth before it exploded back into life and turned firmly back in Wardley's favour in the 10th. He made sure his stunning story would get another chapter against Usyk when he attacked Parker in the 11th with a barrage of shots which compelled Foster to intervene. It may have been early but Wardley will claim that Parker was taking significant punishment. Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley? Wardley has 19 knockouts in 20 victories, having a 95% stoppage rate Usyk sought a medical exception to postpone his mandatory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his advisor Serge Lapin recently affirmed that the unbeaten champion was prepared to face the successful fighter of this bout. Warren will now look to organize that fight next year for his man. Fast Ascent to the Top With just 21 professional fights on the back of without amateur background having emerged from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still raw and his rise to this position has been significantly fast tracked. But now he is in a position to challenge the finest heavyweight of this era which is a cinematic tale. Parker's Future Options Parker will now have to thoughtfully consider his next step, given his age and how long he has been participating at the highest level. He took a huge gamble here and his opportunities of winning back a portion of the world heavyweight crown have been diminished.