🔗 Share this article GB's Wardley Stops Parker in Massive Heavyweight Surprise Fabio Wardley kept his unbeaten record, improving to 20 victories and a single draw Published: 26 October 2025 Comments: 106 Fabio Wardley pulled off a massive upset to shatter Joseph Parker's hopes of securing a two-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday and placed himself in contention for a chance at perfect champion Oleksandr Usyk. Stunning Comeback Victory The British fighter is now the primary contender for the Ukrainian after he earned a stunning comeback victory by ending the veteran New Zealander in the 11th round of an entertaining and physical battle at London's O2 Arena. Wardley, 30, secured the WBO 'interim' title when he pressured referee Howard Foster to stop the bout as he attacked previous world champion Parker, who had been significantly damaged in the 10th by a right-handed uppercut. Emotional Celebration The Ipswich native got the crowd to their feet and collapsed to the floor in triumph as his corner team flooded into the ring to rejoice. They were magnificent scenes as the previous white-collar boxer extended his extraordinary rise in the boxing world. Controversial Stoppage There was an discussion that the stoppage was untimely, especially given Parker had dominated for significant portions of the fight and injured Wardley multiple occasions with straight rights. But the 33-year-old New Zealander offered little protest when Foster intervened and his trainer Andy Lee did not look to protest as his man suffered his fourth career defeat. Wardley's Post-Fight Comments "I stated all the way through this preparation that we picked Joseph Parker because I feel I'm at the top and I proved I'm at the top," stated Wardley. "All recognition to Joseph, he can't get enough respect and he merits all the respect from the boxing world. He took a chance when he didn't have to, and we understood he wasn't going anywhere quickly. We had to pick our spots and ultimately we got them out of there." Turning Point It was a right uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which turned the bout decisively back in favour of the longshot. This was Wardley's 20th career win and his most significant. Usyk now possibly awaits early next year. Parker risked his standing as the top contender for Usyk's championship by taking this fight, dropping to his fourth career defeat. Promoter's Positive Outlook Wardley's promoter Frank Warren stated to DAZN: "Usyk stated he wants to do it, so that's what it will be. It's a thirty-six minute fight and it only requires one second from him." Wardley's Incredible Journey Progresses Wardley watched Parker's world title fight against Anthony Joshua in 2018 from a bar 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 observers. Usyk was not here, but he was the man this bout was all for. Wardley proceeded to the ring adorned in Ipswich Town colours with the football club's badge emblazoned on his kit. Impressive Career Progression He spoke in the lead-up how it was amazing that when Parker was winning the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only fighting in white-collar boxing. Yet here he was on the same stage as the experienced Kiwi in a fight to determine the next challenger for Usyk, the greatest heavyweight of this period. Fight Description With Lee in his corner, Parker was on a red-hot run coming into this bout of six successful fights including successes over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole. As shouts of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' rang around the arena, Parker gained control with a powerful of a jab that soon caused blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose. The end to the first three minutes was emphatic from the favorite as Parker stormed through with a powerful of a right hand. Dramatic Momentum Shift Parker's control vanished when a right hand from Wardley shook him in the second. It would be a harbinger to what would happen later in the fight. It was a beautiful shot and brought those ringside to their feet as the New Zealander looked unsteady 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 landing the better shots through the middle rounds. Last 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 risk. The fight appeared to be waning in the eighth before it erupted back into life and turned firmly back in Wardley's benefit in the 10th. He made sure his amazing story would get another chapter against Usyk when he overwhelmed Parker in the 11th with a barrage of shots which compelled Foster to intervene. It may have been quick but Wardley will contend that Parker was taking substantial punishment. Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley? Wardley has 19 stoppages in 20 bouts, boasting a ninety-five percent KO rate Usyk requested a medical exemption to postpone his compulsory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his advisor Serge Lapin recently verified that the undefeated champion was ready to face the successful fighter of this bout. Warren will now look to make that fight next year for his man. Fast Ascent to the Top With just twenty-one career fights on the back of without amateur background having arrived from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still raw and his rise to this position has been considerably fast tracked. But now he is in a situation to take on the best heavyweight of this era which is a dramatic tale. Parker's Future Thoughts Parker will now have to deliberately evaluate his next step, given his age and how long he has been participating at the elite level. He took a massive gamble here and his chances of regaining a share of the world heavyweight crown have been diminished.