Joseph Parker has dismissed any discussions about facing Oleksandr Usyk at the moment and is determined to defeat Fabio Wardley in their upcoming heavyweight clash. The 33-year-old New Zealand fighter is gearing up for his comeback fight against Wardley, who is proving to be a formidable opponent. Parker’s road back to the ring has been challenging, especially after Daniel Dubois withdrew from their scheduled bout earlier this year.
Following a convincing victory over Martin Bakole on short notice, Parker seemed poised to take on Usyk. However, Usyk opted to face Dubois instead, leading to a spectacular knockout win in front of a massive crowd at Wembley Stadium. Despite being ordered to defend his titles against Parker, Usyk requested a delay citing an injury, but an investigation ensued, granting him an extension with the condition of facing the winner of the Parker-Wardley showdown.
Parker emphasized the significance of the upcoming fight, stating that it’s a do-or-die situation for him. He expressed confidence in his abilities and determination to secure victory. In response, Wardley, who is undefeated and brimming with optimism, issued a chilling warning to his opponent, stating that he is in his prime and ready to triumph over Parker.
Wardley, known for his knockout power, highlighted his boxing skills and emphasized that there is more to his game than just sheer strength. Both fighters acknowledged the challenges ahead, with Wardley looking forward to the support of the home crowd at the O2 Arena, which he considers a familiar and supportive environment.
The highly-anticipated showdown between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley is scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, October 25. Fans can watch the full fight card on DAZN PPV for £24.99, with the opportunity to access the entire DAZN platform for one month with an annual plan or a seven-day trial. The stakes are high for both fighters, as the winner is expected to face Oleksandr Usyk for a shot at the WBO belt and the other three titles early next year.