In recent years, the heavyweight division has revived, and Joseph Parker is making a notable comeback himself. On Saturday night, Parker will face off against rising contender Fabio Wardley as he aims to edge closer to reclaiming a world championship title.
Parker, with a record of 36-3 and 24 knockouts, holds the interim WBO heavyweight title, while Wardley, undefeated at 19-0-1 with 18 knockouts, is the interim WBA champion. Both fighters have their sights on the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk; however, Wardley will also have to contend with the WBA “regular” champion Kubrat Pulev.
Joseph Parker originally won the WBO world title by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. by majority decision in December 2016. After two successful defenses, he lost the title to Anthony Joshua in March 2018. Following a decision loss to Dillian Whyte and a knockout defeat to Joe Joyce in 2022, many doubted Parker’s championship potential. However, Parker has returned to form with a six-fight winning streak, including victories over Deontay Wilder, Jiray Zhang, and Martin Bakole in his last three bouts.
Fabio Wardley remains unbeaten as a professional boxer, with a single draw against Fraser Clarke in March 2024. He decisively won their rematch in October by first-round stoppage. In a recent fight, Wardley was outboxed by Justice Huni for most of the bout but staged a stunning comeback in the 10th round, scoring a knockout that marked his resilience and power.
The fight card includes several other bouts with odds from Rivers SportsBook, featuring cruiserweight, light heavyweight, lightweight, and junior lightweight matches.
The Parker vs. Wardley fight will take place at the O2 Arena in London on October 25th, starting at 1:30 pm ET. It will be available live on DAZN PPV for $59.99.
Prediction-wise, Wardley is known for his genuine heavyweight power, and while Parker has outboxed him before, Wardley’s persistent power could turn the tide. Parker’s recent wins, though solid, came against opponents who were either not at their best or less challenging, making Wardley’s upset plausible. Parker’s durability has been questioned due to previous knockdowns and knockouts, whereas Wardley’s knockout power carries throughout the fight, tipping the scales in his favor. The forecast leans towards Wardley winning by a knockout in the fifth round.
Fan Take: This matchup is a significant event for boxing fans as it showcases the clash between an experienced former champion and a rising powerhouse in the heavyweight division. The outcome could reshape the landscape of heavyweight boxing and set new momentum for either fighter’s journey toward undisputed supremacy.
