GB's Wardley Stops Parker in Massive Heavyweight Shock

Fabio Wardley secured a massive upset to destroy Joseph Parker's aspirations of becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday and placed himself in line for a shot at perfect champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Remarkable Comeback Victory

The British fighter is now the primary contender for the Ukrainian after he secured a impressive comeback victory by stopping the experienced New Zealander in the 11th round of an thrilling and tough battle at London's O2 Arena.

Wardley, 30, secured the WBO 'interim' title when he forced referee Howard Foster to halt the bout as he attacked previous world champion Parker, who had been seriously injured in the 10th by a straight uppercut.

Emotional Celebration

The Ipswich native raised the crowd to their feet and collapsed to the floor in jubilation as his corner team flooded into the ring to celebrate.

They were magnificent scenes as the previous white-collar boxer maintained his outstanding rise in the boxing world.

Controversial Stoppage

There was an debate that the stoppage was premature, especially given Parker had dominated for significant portions of the fight and hurt Wardley repeatedly with right hands.

But the 33-year-old New Zealander offered little argument when Foster stepped in and his trainer Andy Lee did not appear to remonstrate as his man endured his fourth career defeat.

Wardley's Post-Fight Comments

"I said all the way through this build-up that we selected Joseph Parker because I think I'm at the top and I proved I'm at the top," said Wardley.

"All recognition to Joseph, he can't get enough respect and he deserves all the esteem from the boxing world. He accepted a chance when he didn't have to, and we realized he wasn't going anywhere quickly. We had to pick our spots and ultimately we got them out of there."

Decisive Round

It was a straight uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which swung the bout decisively back in benefit of the longshot.

This was Wardley's 20th pro win and his most important. Usyk now potentially awaits early next year.

Parker risked his position as the top contender for Usyk's championship by taking this fight, dropping to his fourth pro defeat.

Promoter's Assured Outlook

Wardley's promoter Frank Warren stated to DAZN: "Usyk said he wants to do it, so that's what it will be. It's a thirty-six minute fight and it only takes one second from him."

Wardley's Remarkable Journey Continues

It was a elite group of the British heavyweight scene in the arena with Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma, Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte among the onlookers.

Usyk was not here, but he was the man this bout was all for.

Wardley marched to the ring dressed in Ipswich Town colors with the football club's badge displayed on his kit.

Impressive Career Progression

He spoke in the build-up how it was extraordinary that when Parker was winning the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only participating in white-collar boxing.

Yet here he was on the same stage as the veteran Kiwi in a fight to decide the next challenger for Usyk, the top heavyweight of this period.

Fight Breakdown

With Lee in his corner, Parker was on a successful run coming into this bout of six victories including wins over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole.

As shouts of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' resounded around the arena, Parker established control with a stiff of a jab that soon brought blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose.

The finish to the first three minutes was forceful from the favorite as Parker stormed through with a strong of a right hand.

Thrilling Momentum Shift

Parker's control disappeared when a right hand from Wardley shook him in the second.

It would be a forerunner to what would follow later in the fight. It was a beautiful shot and raised those ringside to their feet as the New Zealander looked unsteady on his.

The experience of Parker, in his 40th professional fight, looked like it was going to be critical here. Wardley was always threatening, but Parker was connecting the better shots through the intermediate rounds.

Last Rounds and Victory

The Kiwi's left uppercuts to the body and right hands over the top were a notable feature, but Wardley's own backhand remained a threat.

The fight looked to be fizzling out in the eighth before it exploded back into life and turned firmly back in Wardley's favour in the 10th.

He ensured his remarkable story would get another chapter against Usyk when he swarmed Parker in the 11th with a barrage of shots which forced Foster to act.

It may have been early but Wardley will claim that Parker was taking substantial punishment.

Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley?

Usyk applied for a medical dispensation to delay his mandatory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his consultant Serge Lapin recently verified that the unbeaten champion was ready to face the winner of this bout.

Warren will now look to make that fight next year for his man.

Rapid Ascent to the Top

With just 21 pro fights on the back of no amateur background having emerged from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still raw and his climb to this position has been considerably fast tracked.

But now he is in a situation to challenge the best heavyweight of this period which is a Hollywood-like tale.

Parker's Future Options

Parker will now have to thoughtfully evaluate his next step, given his age and how long he has been competing at the elite level.

He took a huge gamble here and his chances of reclaiming a piece of the world heavyweight crown have been reduced.