Fabio Wardley delivered a spectacular eleventh-round stoppage against Joseph Parker at The O2 Arena on Saturday evening, securing his position as the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk's heavyweight crown.
The Ipswich fighter overwhelmed Parker with a relentless barrage in the penultimate round, forcing referee Howard Foster to halt the contest. The triumph earned Wardley the WBO interim championship and the right to compete for all four major heavyweight belts.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the significance of the victory, telling DAZN: "He'll be fighting for all four belts, because that what he deserves after a fight like that."
The bout had appeared competitive until Wardley unleashed a fierce offensive in round ten, before trapping the New Zealander against the ropes in the following session.
Fabio Wardley stopped Joseph Parker in the 11th round on Saturday night
|REUTERS
Wardley's ascent represents one of boxing's most extraordinary success stories. The fighter began his career in white collar boxing without any amateur background, yet has now defeated an established world champion after just 21 professional contests.
Warren expressed his astonishment at the achievement, stating: "Fabio's is a story I've never seen before. Honestly, I'm amazed that someone who has zero amateur experience - with 20 fights - comes out and beats a world champion."
The victory extends Wardley's unbeaten streak to 20 wins and one draw, with an impressive 19 knockouts.
His rapid progression from novice to mandatory title challenger in such a brief timeframe stands as a testament to his exceptional natural ability and dedication to the sport.
Following his remarkable upset, Wardley paid tribute to those who supported his journey. "It's a massive thanks to Dillian Whyte. That man looked after me - he changed my life. He deserves everything from me," the victor declared.
The fighter acknowledged his unconventional style whilst celebrating his resilience.
— Boxingz Center (@BoxingzCentee) October 25, 2025
"What I lack in experience, I make up for in chin, heart, fight," Wardley said. "I've said before I'm not the cleanest fighter - but I get the job done."
Warren praised both competitors for their thrilling encounter. "What a fight. That was edge-of-your-seat stuff - credit to both of them," the promoter remarked.
Wardley immediately set his sights on the unified champion, declaring in his post-bout interview: "I have one thing to say - Usyk, Usyk."
The Ukrainian champion's participation remains uncertain following a back injury sustained after his July victory over Daniel Dubois.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Oleksandr Usyk has been tipped as Fabio Wardley's next opponent after already conquering Britain's heavyweight division
|PA
Usyk had previously indicated he intended to continue boxing for two more years but stated earlier this month that he had no plans to compete in 2025.
The WBO had initially instructed Usyk to commence negotiations with Parker just five days after defeating Dubois, but granted an extension due to the champion's injury. Following Wardley's victory, the organisation has yet to issue fresh directives regarding the mandatory defence.
Should Usyk decline to face Wardley, the WBO could compel him to relinquish their title, potentially elevating Wardley to full champion status.
This scenario would open possibilities for alternative opponents, with former IBF titleholder Dubois emerging as a potential candidate.
The heavyweight landscape remains in flux with several key figures facing uncertain futures. Anthony Joshua has been absent from the ring since his September 2024 defeat to Dubois, with promoter Eddie Hearn suggesting a December return remains "50-50" following the former champion's elbow surgery in May.
Oleksandr Usyk has beaten Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois two times each
|PA
Rising prospect Moses Itauma awaits confirmation of his next opponent after stopping Dillian Whyte in August.
The WBA has ordered Kubrat Pulev to defend against the 20-year-old, though Pulev has announced alternative plans to face Murat Gassiev in December.
Tyson Fury's retirement status continues to generate speculation. Despite announcing his departure from boxing in January, the former champion attended Saturday's contest at ringside, watching his training partner Parker suffer defeat.