Unexpected Showdown in Boxing: Wardley Surprisingly Knocks Out Parker and Challenges Usyk
On October 26th, an electrifying and unexpected boxing match took place in London between two prominent heavyweight fighters.
Fabio Wardley, the current WBA interim champion with an undefeated record (20 wins, 19 by KO), managed to surprise not only his fans but also experts by delivering a knockout victory over experienced New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker.
This was a shocking upset, as Parker, with a record of 36 wins (24 by KO), was considered a top contender and reigning interim champion.
The fight was held at the O2 Arena, where both fighters started cautiously, exchanging jabs and power shots.
Early rounds saw mutual exchanges, but without significant consequence.
However, in the second round, both boxers experienced moments of vulnerability, but no knockdowns occurred.
By the tenth round, Parker was close to victory after landing sharp counters and almost knocking Wardley down.
Yet, in the 11th round, Wardley delivered a precise punch, which became decisive—disorienting Parker, who could not recover, and the referee stopped the fight, recording a technical knockout.
The video of Wardley’s stoppage in round 11 quickly circulated online, with both fighters showing sportsmanship afterward.
30-year-old Wardley has now secured the interim world title in two major organizations and has issued a challenge to Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk, who previously indicated his intention to retire.
This victory elevates Wardley’s status from contender to mandatory challenger for the WBO belt against Usyk.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian boxer is preparing for a bout in Mexico for the world title, with rumors swirling about his future plans and career longevity.
The boxing world is abuzz with the possibility of an upcoming showdown between these two giants, promising an exciting chapter in heavyweight boxing.