British heavyweight Fabio Wardley pulled off the biggest win of his career with an enormous upset over Joseph Parker to set up a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk.
In a pulsating contest at the O2 Arena, Wardley showed he has one of the toughest chins in the sport as he swallowed several huge punches from Parker before forcing referee Howard Foster to stop the bout in an explosive 11th round.
The WBO had ordered the experienced Parker to face undisputed world heavyweight champion Usyk in July but the New Zealander put his mandatory challenger status on the line against Wardley, who was still involved in white-collar boxing when his opponent was world champion in 2016.
Parker promised to be a "different level" to the 30-year-old and that appeared the case for much of the bout in London.
Wardley seemed to have missed out on the chance to stop the bout in a back-and-forth second round and it appeared a sliding doors moment for the Ipswich right-hander.
Yet, after Parker could not get his rival out, Wardley roared back with a huge right to wobble the New Zealand in the 11th and a flurry of further punches forced a dramatic stoppage to continue his fairytale story in the sport.
Relive all the action and results from Parker vs Wardley and the undercard, below.
Read More
Usyk eyes three more years, so what does this mean for Parker and Wardley’s chances of fighting him?
Parker vs Wardley live
- Fabio Wardley forces stunning knockout of Joseph Parker to win WBO interim heavyweight title
- Wardley's 11th round stoppage sets up undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk
- REPORT: How a new Wardley stunned Parker to set up a once unbelievable fight with Usyk
- Chisora and Whyte set for trilogy in December
- Unbeaten Taylor bludgeons Woodall to underline credentials at light heavyweight
- Barney-Smith dazzles to claim European titles
Questions arising from Fabio Wardley's win over Joseph Parker
07:45
,
Jack Tanner
The heavyweight order has been shaken up once again, with Fabio Wardley jumping the queue by pinching Joseph Parker’s WBO interim heavyweight title.
Now the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed throne, there are a few things left unclear.
Firstly, whether Fabio Wardley is now a ‘unified’ interim champion - mention of his WBA interim title disappeared in the build-up to fight night.
More pressingly for Wardley will be the question of when he gets to face Usyk inside the ring. The Ukrainian had halted talks with Parker over injury earlier this year, and it remains to be seen when Usyk will be ready for his next challenger.
Fabio Wardley previews Oleksandr Usyk fight
07:09
,
Jack Rathborn
“I don’t know how I put it into words, that’s always been the goal and objective, we’re there,” Wardley says.
“One of the generational talents, one of the best to do it, all the marbles, there’s nothing more I could want. All I ask for is the opportunity, I’m not planning to stop here.
“Get in the ring with Usyk and say, ‘thanks for having me’ and rolling over.
“When that bell goes, me and Usyk get in the ring, he’s going to have to work for it.
“Wembley is the dream, but I don’t know, I’d like to overseas, somewhere bigger? America? I’d like to go there, but in my back garden, I don’t care, tell him the directions to Ipswich.”
Wardley victory sets up another Brit to fight Usyk
06:30
,
Jack Tanner
Oleksandr Usyk strikes fear into the heart of any heavyweight, but British fighters will be well aware of the Ukrainian’s record against boxers from Blighty.
Derek Chisora, Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Anthony Joshua can all attest to Usyk’s power and quality - and now it appears that Fabio Wardley will be the next British heavyweight to test the Ukrainian.
Fabio Wardley celebrates win over Joseph Parker
05:45
,
Jack Rathborn
Fabio Wardley improves unbeaten record
05:00
,
Jack Tanner
Fabio Wardley’s record now stands at 20-0-1, with an impressive 19 knockouts.
That gives the 30-year-old a KO ratio of 90%.
Former world champion Joseph Parker slinks away after risking it all - his CV now reads 36-4 (24 KOs).
It is the second time in Parker’s professional career that he has been stopped - when Joe Joyce stopped him in the 11th round of their 2022 contest.
Derek Chisora defends Parker v Wardley stoppage
04:20
,
Jack Rathborn
“Wardley is my guy, I’ve had more rounds with Wardley than anybody else in boxing,” Chisora tells Seconds Out.
“I called it, I said Wardley wins this. Parker had to lose weight, he had too much weight, he was chubby, not fit enough. He needed to do more.
“The reason why he won this fight, Parker let him, Usyk won’t, he’ll make you work when you don’t want to work. So many breaks in there.
“Usyk doesn’t let you regroup, totally different. The ref is the only person in the ring watching their eyes, we cannot say anything, I’m happy they stopped it at the right time so he can go back to hid wife and kids. The ref did exactly what he’s meant to do.”
Joseph Parker has 'no regrets' over taking Fabio Wardley fight
03:40
,
Jack Rathborn
“He caught me with a few shots, he put on a good performance, but when you get caught, it’s boxing,” Parker adds.
“I felt fine when they stopped the fight, but I’m not the referee, I wanted to carry on, of course.
“It sucks to lose a fight, not pretending I’m happy, but life goes on. Boxing is what I do, but I’m blessed with kids and a family, regroup, then see what comes next.
“I don’t regret anything I do, boxing is just part of what I do, I’m blessed with a family and a wonderful team. It’s just a bump in the road. I felt good out there.”
Joseph Parker hits out at referee for Fabio Wardley stoppage
03:05
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Jack Rathborn
“I didn’t feel like it [got away from me]. The ref stopped the fight, I felt like I could keep going on, he saw enough, but I have to accept the result. Two shots hurt me, but I was still aware and wanted to carry on,” Parker told Seconds Out.
“Of course, I was hurting him, he was good, took a few shots here and there, he’s a warrior. He won the fight, he’s onto another big event and fight.
“I want to carry on, if I can get a rematch, then awesome, it’ll be great to run this back.”
Joseph Parker extends outstanding resume despite Fabio Wardley defeat
02:27
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Jack Rathborn
Joseph Parker has faced some of the very best heavyweights of his era, it feels cruel to deny him another crack at the world title, but his resume is outstanding all the same:
- Anthony Joshua
- Deontay Wilder
- Andy Ruiz
- Dillian Whyte
- Zhilei Zhang
- Derek Chisora
- Martin Bakole
- Joe Joyce
- Fabio Wardley
Frank Warren confirms heavyweight equation for Fabio Wardley
01:54
,
Jack Rathborn
More from Frank Warren after the fight: "It was an all-time great heavyweight fight, we always knew it would be.
“It only takes one second to be beaten, he turned the fight around. It is Usyk, if he doesn't do it, he'll be stripped. That's it, it's where we are.”
Frank Warren confirms Fabio Wardley's next fight: Oleksandr Usyk
01:18
,
Jack Rathborn
“His next fight, Fabio Wardley, will be for the four belts,” Frank Warren maintains.
“Not one belt, four belts.”
That’s pretty clear, then?
The moment Fabio Wardley became WBO interim heavyweight world champion
Sunday 26 October 2025 00:45
,
Jack Tanner
Parker vs Wardley: The Independent's account from ringside as Wardley earns shot at Usyk
Sunday 26 October 2025 00:11
,
Jack Tanner
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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:53
,
Jack Tanner
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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:51
,
Jack Tanner
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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:49
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Jack Tanner
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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:48
,
Jack Tanner
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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:47
,
Jack Tanner
“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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:45
,
Jack Tanner
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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:42
,
Jack Tanner
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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:40
,
Jack Tanner
Round 11
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
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:39
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Jack Rathborn at The O2
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!
Parker vs Wardley round 10: Championship rounds entered
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:39
,
Jack Tanner
Round 10
Again the fight finds new life in the final minute of a round.
Wardley takes shot after shot, but escapes from the corner with 30 to go. Clearly hurt, he goes back to what he knows best - throwing as much as he can.
He catches Parker, sparking his own assault that can only be ended by the bell.
How on earth both men made their corners by their own steam is beyond this mere journalist.
Parker vs Wardley round nine: Brief calm before the storm returns
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:35
,
Jack Tanner
Round 9
Just as you thought the fight was entering a lull, the action sparks back to life.
Parker starts a combination ahead of the final minute of the ninth, and has Wardley bouncing on the ropes.
However, the Brit survives, and ends the round with a big body shot on Parker.
Wardley v Parker in the balance through eight rounds
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:31
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Jack Rathborn at The O2
Parker is 262.6lbs, officially, yet he’s still able to deliver three consecutive jabs with immense speed at the start of the eighth. Wardley’s agility, too, is showcasing the high level on display, swerving the second and evading a third with his feet.
You can almost feel the shots from ringside, Wardley now bouncing between breaks and crouching as he launches a fresh assault.
This one is in the balance according to everyone I’ve spoken to ringside.
Parker vs Wardley round eight: Improved round for Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:30
,
Jack Tanner
Round 8
Just as it appeared Parker was getting into the grove, setting the tone and pace of the contest, Wardley rediscovers the jab.
He’s controlled the centre of the ring in the eighth.
Parker vs Wardley round seven: Half-way mark crossed in heavyweight clash
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:28
,
Jack Tanner
Round 7
The first six rounds have taken its toll on both men, but neither is backing down.
Wardley rolled well with a big Parker right, minimising the damage, but you get the feeling the challenger would love to get back to trading big shots with the champion.
Parker vs Wardley round six: Parker in control
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:23
,
Jack Tanner
Round 6
Parker feeling out Wardley with the left before landing big rights in round six.
Wardley attempts a combination of his own, and even lands a nice right uppercut, but right now Parker will be the happier of the two fighters.
Parker vs Wardley round five: Parker picks off Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:20
,
Jack Tanner
Round 5
After being outboxed back in June by Justis Huni, Wardley has done well to keep Parker at bay from a scoring perspective.
However, that fifth round was far more controlled from Parker, with Wardley unable to drag his opponent into another shootout.
Wardley shows new side against Parker in captivating heavyweight fight
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:20
,
Jack Rathborn at The O2
Both men are exhausted and leaning on their jabs to expose their opponent. They’re dripping in sweat and using their skills to find the solutions before trading when one commits to a combination, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
Parker just winked as he returned to his corner, this is gruelling stuff, but what a contest so far.
Wardley showing a more versatile, rounded version of himself and holding his own.
Parker vs Wardley: Action shots from the first four rounds
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:18
,
Jack Tanner
Parker vs Wardley round four: Shots still flying
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:16
,
Jack Tanner
Round 4
The pace of this fight has not varied too much. Just when Parker starts to turn the screw, Wardley roars back with punches of his own.
Neither fighter shying away from the challenge in front of them.
Parker vs Wardley round three: Heavy blows landed
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:12
,
Jack Tanner
Round 3
This is heavyweight boxing at its best so far.
Wardley throws a right that grazes Parker’s chin; any higher and we might have seen the Kiwi on the floor.
Neither fighter is having it their own way - but Parker is not being allowed to outbox Wardley, who has learned his lesson from his near-defeat to Justis Huni.
Wardley playing dangerous game with Parker through three rounds
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:11
,
Jack Rathborn at The O2
This is a gripping contest through three rounds, Wardley is swerving and slipping shots beautifully.
But the margins are so small, the sweat is spraying off both men’s gloves.
Parker is not afraid to load up, despite his smart boxing skills and tidy jab. The champion is up 2-1 on my scorecard.
Parker vs Wardley round two: Briton unloads barrage of heavy shots on rival
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:07
,
Jack Rathborn
Quite brilliant! Wardley invited into a fire fight and boy does he accept, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
The Briton unleashes a pair of uppercuts and Parker looks shocked, the crowd rise in anticipation, the Kiwi is desperately searching to fix his feet, a messy conclusion to the second round and real hope for Wardley there.
Parker vs Wardley round two: Both fighters hurt
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:06
,
Jack Tanner
Round 2
Parker picks up where he left off in the first, hurting his opponent.
But just as the Kiwi looks to connect with a few more, Wardley lands - and momentum completely shifts.
Parker has to survive the final minute.
We have a fight on our hands.
Parker vs Wardley round one: Late flurry secures opener for Kiwi
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:02
,
Jack Tanner
Round 1
Fabio Wardley already bleeding around his nose - a problem area for the Brit.
Parker lands multiple combos in the final minute - before a final flurry right on the bell shocks Wardley.
Round one Parker.
Parker vs Wardley: Round one moments away
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:59
,
Jack Tanner
Here we go!
It’s been a long wait, but it’s time to find out if Parker’s speed and skill will beat out Wardley’s raw power.
Parker vs Wardley: Fighters in the ring, raring to go
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:57
,
Jack Tanner
Parker vs Wardley: Challenger Wardley makes his approach
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:54
,
Jack Tanner
Although the holder of the WBA interim heavyweight title, Wardley is introduced as just the challenger.
Wardley turns to boxing royalty for his ring walk song - the 2004 effort Can’t Be Touched by Roy Jones Jr, who is in attendance after leading his fighter Tony Curtis to victory on the undercard.
Parker vs Wardley: Joseph Parker introduced to the crowd
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:52
,
Jack Tanner
MC Thomas Treiber is in the centre of the ring, meaning we're getting closer and closer.
Joseph Parker walks to the ring first, despite being billed as the defending champion of his WBO interim heavyweight belt.
The Kiwi comes out to Not Many by Scribe ft. Savage & Con Psy.
Tyson Fury was waiting in the bowels of the O2 with Parker, but he has taken a pew ringside rather than take the limelight off his good friend.
Parker walks to the ring before Wardley heavyweight clash
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:51
,
Jack Rathborn at The O2
Here we go, a peculiar move from Parker, the champion to walk first, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
In white and yellow with gold trim, Parker looks confident and rightly so after his recent run, he’s a big favourite with the bookies too.
Parker vs Wardley: Main event moments away
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:49
,
Jack Tanner
Joseph Parker is ready to make his ring walk - with Tyson Fury in tow.
The main event is finally here!
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Uldedaj wins the IBO world title
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:42
,
Jack Tanner
The judges in clear agreement - Juergen Uldedaj did more than enough to claim the IBO cruiserweight world championship.
The scores read 120-108, 118-110, 119-109 - a unanimous decision win for Uldedaj over Lambert.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Crowd put out of their misery as undercard ends
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:37
,
Jack Tanner
Round 12
The O2 Arena should be buzzing with excitement with the main event up next, but instead it is non-stop whistling and jeering.
Uldedaj will be a clear winner, but it is hard to pick a bigger loser - those watching, or Lambert, who produced an ineffective gameplan.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Forgettable cruiserweight contest almost over
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:33
,
Jack Tanner
Round 11
Uldedaj and Lambert have produced probably the poorest fight of the card, entertainment-wise.
Lambert might be able to claim that round, but unless we get a stoppage in the final three minutes, this bout will quickly fade out of memory.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Uldedaj plodding towards victory
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:30
,
Jack Tanner
Round 10
Uldedaj’s face shows he has been in a fight, with bruising showing up around his eyes. But this has not been pretty viewing, with Lambert happy to sit back and allow Uldedaj to take this fight without challenge.
Derek Chisora reveals date for trilogy heavyweight fight with rival Dillian Whyte
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:25
,
Jack Rathborn
Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte are set for a trilogy heavyweight fight in December after both fighters expressed their desire to meet once more after appearing at Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley.
The British heavyweights combined for two brutal fights in 2016 and 2018, with Whyte prevailing by split decision and an 11th-round stoppage.
But Chisora, aged 41 and now 36-13, has rallied late in his career to pull off a three-fight win streak after disposing of Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Lambert gives it a go
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:24
,
Jack Tanner
Round 9
Finally Lambert has opened up with his punches, but it has done very little to turn the tide.
Uldedaj caught in between two minds whether he should press the issue, or see out the remaining three rounds for what should be a comfortable points victory.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Lambert still listless
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:21
,
Jack Tanner
Round 8
Lambert is still failing to push the issue with time running out. Uldedaj may be missing here and there, but he is still outlanding his opponent considerably.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: More of the same from quiet cruiserweights
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:17
,
Jack Tanner
Round 7
Uldedaj sees no reason to change tack against a fighter offering as little as Lambert.
Neither fighter are looking for too many combinations, leading to a stand-off rather than a boxing match.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Signs of life from Lambert
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:12
,
Jack Tanner
Round 6
Lambert comes out at the start of the sixth looking more active with the straight shots, but it’s not improving his chances too much - not the spectacle of this contest.
Uldedaj still picking his shots, punching down, and looking calm.
Parker vs Wardley: O2 Arena jeering poor showing
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:07
,
Jack Tanner
Round 5
This cruiserweight contest has yet to catch light, and sections of the O2 are not impressed.
That has encouraged both Uldedaj and Lambert to throw some bigger shots - the former still looking the stronger fighter.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Uldedaj happy for status quo to keep ticking
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:05
,
Jack Tanner
Round 4
Uldedaj is not overcomplicating things, simply going about his work knowing that he is currently out-throwing the tamer Lambert.
Parker vs Wardley: Lambert too passive
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:02
,
Jack Tanner
Round 3
Uldedaj has grown into this contest, but hasn't had to do too much to look more impressive than Lambert.
Lambert still scouting out his opponent, but letting the rounds slip by.
Wardley vs Parker undercard: Uldedaj growing in confidence
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:57
,
Jack Tanner
Round 2
What was a cagey first round becomes a more confident display for Uldedaj, although his decision to keep switching stances halts his fluency.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Uldedaj well supported
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:51
,
Jack Tanner
Round 1
German-Albanian Uldedaj is drawing the first proper chants of the evenings, with plenty of support in attendance.
The cruiserweight looks sharper of the two fighters, but it is a cagey round one.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Last support bout up next
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:46
,
Jack Tanner
Well, after that eventful diversion which may or may not have confirmed Chisora-Whyte III, we are back to the boxing.
Cruiserweights Juergen Uldedaj and Rolly Lambert Fogoum are set to do battle for the IBO world title - a minor belt at 200lbs.
Parker vs Wardley: Whyte keen for Chisora trilogy
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:43
,
Jack Tanner
Dillian Whyte, who beat Chisora in 2016 and 2018, is keen for a third meeting.
He tells DAZN: “Derek called me and said ‘Do you wanna to fight?’
“I said ‘let’s go’. I don’t run from any fight, I take any fighter regardless, I show up and give my all. I love fighting and enjoy fighting. I want to do it when I’m young, give the fans the fights they want.”
Chisora is brought back in. “Why not? I want the fight. But the paperwork has to be right. The business side of it has to be right. Then I can guarantee you that the fight will be amazing. Dillian has two over me.
“The first one I won - Eddie Hearn gave it to him. The second one he knocked me out. That was a good left hook that he hit me with. The fight will happen with Dillian in December. It’s going to be an explosive fight.”