Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley to unify interim heavyweight belt
Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley have exchanged words ahead of their October 25 bout at London’s O2 Arena.
The high-stakes heavyweight fight will see both Parker’s WBO interim and Wardley’s WBA interim titles on the line, with the winner moving one step closer to a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk.
“I’m very happy. I’m happy that he put up his hand. There are a lot of fighters that say they want to fight anyone, but [Wardley] is a good example.” – Parker in a Face Off interview.
The undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, was supposed to fight Parker in July. Following his knockout of Daniel Dubois, Usyk got a 90-day medical exemption, and this delayed his title defence.
Parker has had some impressive wins recently against big names like Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder, and Martin Bakole.
With 18 knockouts in 19 victories, Fabio Wardley has become one of the UK’s most exciting prospects.
In an interview, Wardley echoed his ambition to become undisputed champion. “Obviously there’s no overlooking the man [Parker] in front of me at all, but past this fight is the Olexander Usyk fight and that is a massive fight.”
Despite their interim titles, the world title is the true prize for both fighters, and the winner of this match will most likely earn the right to challenge Usyk for the undisputed crown.
Fans can expect Parker’s technical discipline, strong chin, and ring IQ against Wardley’s raw power and aggression.
Kwame Masters/Boxing Ghana