Joseph Parker has dismissed any discussions about facing Oleksandr Usyk and has committed to defeating Fabio Wardley in their upcoming heavyweight bout. The 33-year-old New Zealand fighter is gearing up for his comeback match against the formidable Wardley on Saturday night. Parker’s journey this year has been challenging, with a missed opportunity to challenge Daniel Dubois for the world title in February when Dubois withdrew just before the fight.
Following an impressive victory over Martin Bakole on short notice, Parker was anticipated to clash with Usyk but was snubbed by the Ukrainian in favor of a showdown with Dubois. Usyk delivered a spectacular knockout against Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Despite being ordered to defend his titles against Parker, Usyk requested a delay citing injury, which was later investigated. The winner of the Parker-Wardley fight is set to face Usyk next.
Parker emphasized his determination at the pre-fight press conference, stating his focus on winning and moving forward. Wardley, on the other hand, expressed confidence in his abilities and issued a bold warning to Parker. The British fighter highlighted his boxing skills beyond just knockout power, emphasizing his tactical prowess.
The highly-anticipated clash between Parker and Wardley will take place at London’s O2 Arena on October 25, with the winner earning a shot at Usyk for multiple titles. Fans can catch the action on DAZN PPV, with various subscription options available. Both fighters are prepared for the showdown, with Wardley seeking support from the home crowd in what he considers a pivotal moment in his career.