Fabio Wardley once again proved his resilience with a clutch late-round victory, this time stopping Joseph Parker in the 11th round at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday. With this win, Wardley captured the WBO interim heavyweight title, solidifying his position as a leading contender for Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight crown.
Joseph Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion, has remained active in recent years, competing frequently in events hosted in Saudi Arabia. He secured wins over notable opponents like Deontay Wilder, Jiray Zhang, and Martin Bacall while waiting for high-profile bouts such as Daniel Dubois vs. Usyk. However, Parker faced a tough challenge from England’s power puncher Wardley.
Previously, Wardley had a dramatic 10th-round knockout win against Justice Hooni, after being outperformed for much of that fight. The Saturday match unfolded similarly, with Parker seeming to dominate early rounds, but Wardley showcased his toughness and endurance to stay competitive.
The turning point arrived in round 11 when Wardley unleashed a flurry of powerful punches that forced Parker onto the ropes, prompting the referee to stop the fight. Although some questioned the stoppage’s timing, feeling Parker could have continued, this victory stands as the most significant in Wardley’s 20-0-1 career, earning him the interim heavyweight title and a potential future shot at the undisputed championship.
For Parker, a rematch could highlight his path back to the top ranks in the division.
Fan Take: This fight highlights the emergence of Fabio Wardley as a serious force in the heavyweight division, injecting fresh excitement into the title chase. For fight enthusiasts, Wardley’s rise means the heavyweight scene is becoming increasingly competitive, promising thrilling matchups ahead.
