Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley will square off in a fight important to the heavyweight landscape tonight, with Parker’s interim world title up for grabs – and potentially a shot at Oleksandr Usyk.
In the main event at London’s O2 Arena, Parker defends his WBO interim belt against Wardley in a risky match-up. The New Zealander was ordered to challenge undisputed champion Usyk next, but the Ukrainian was sidelined by an injury, leaving Parker with a tricky decision to make.
And the Kiwi, 33, has decided to box again rather than wait. He takes on Ipswich’s Wardley in enemy territory – although Parker should also have some support in the English capital, given his reputation as one boxing’s nicest personalities.
Last time out, Parker stopped Martin Bakole in two rounds in February, having accepted the fight on two days’ notice after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness. Meanwhile, Wardley’s last outing was a June bout with Justis Huni at the Ipswich Town FC stadium. And it was a dramatic night, with Wardley, 30, trailing on the scorecards when he pulled off a one-shot knockout in the late rounds.
Follow live updates and results from Parker vs Wardley and the undercard, below.
Parker vs Wardley: The Independent’s account from ringside as Wardley earns shot at Usyk
Fabio Wardley showed a new side to his game as he overcame Joseph Parker to take over the mantle as number one contender in the heavyweight division, reports Sports Editor Jack Rathborn from ringside at the O2 Arena.
Frank Warren on fight plans for Wardley’s next bout
Frank Warren asked what the plan is for Wardley.
“It’s really simple. Oleksandr is a great champion, he said he wants to fight. He won’t vacate the belt. His next fight with Fabio Wardley will be for all the belts.
“It’s what (Wardley) deserves. We’re all proud of him.”
Fabio Wardley: Chin made up for lack of experience
Wardley asked how he survived some of those Parker shots.
He explains: “What I lack in experience I make up for in chin, heart, determination, and will.”
Fabio Wardley: I’ve proved I’m at the top
Wardley continues: “Look, I said all the way through this build up, all the way before this fight was made, when we picked Joseph Parker, I believed I was at the top – I proved I’m at the top.”
Fabio Wardley instantly calls out Oleksandr Usyk
Already Fabio Wardley’s mind switches to his next opponent.
He tells DAZN: “I have one thing to say – Uuuuuusyk. Uuuuuusyk.”
Parker vs Wardley: Wardley’s technical knockout win confirmed
“AND NEW”
Thomas Treiber makes it official – Fabio Wardley remains undefeated, and is now the WBO interim heavyweight champion of the world.
More importantly, he’s the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed title.
Parker vs Wardley: Parker was up on the cards at the time of stoppage
Joseph Parker was up 98-92 and 96-94 on two judges’ scorecards – with the other level at 95-95.
Fabio Wardley needed that stoppage, and once again, he has found it.
WARDLEY KNOCKOUT ROUND 11
FABIO WARDLEY HAS STOPPED JOSEPH PARKER IN ROUND 11
Quite literally smelling blood, Wardley throws punch after punch – and Parker has no response. Eventually the referee has to step in.
What a win for Wardley – his meteoric rise continues!
Parker vs Wardley round 11: Parker cut
Parker paws at his left eye, where a cut has opened up. Two minutes remain in this round.
Parker saved by the bell after late rally from Wardley in the 10th
A powerful one-two from Parker is then backed up by a chopping right in the 10th. A furious onslaught develops, but Wardley then catches his rival.
The crowd goes berserk, more people are out of their seats here. The Briton senses the upset and pours on the pressure and Parker is staggered.
The champions desperately swerves the shots and the bell saves him. What a fight!
