Fabio Wardley secures contentious TKO victory over Joseph Parker in late rounds to claim interim WBO heavyweight title.

LONDON – Fabio Wardley secured a controversial technical knockout victory over Joseph Parker in the eleventh round of their bout at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night, claiming the interim WBO heavyweight title. The fight, which saw Parker seemingly ahead on the scorecards for much of the contest, ended abruptly when referee Steve Gray intervened amidst a flurry of punches from Wardley, sparking immediate debate about the legitimacy of the stoppage.

The victory marks a significant milestone in Wardley’s career, propelling him into the upper echelons of the heavyweight division and positioning him as a potential contender for a future title shot against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. For Parker, the defeat represents a setback after a series of impressive wins that had revitalized his career.

The fight began with Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion, establishing his jab and controlling the distance. Parker, known for his boxing skills and ring generalship, consistently outmaneuvered Wardley in the early rounds. His footwork and head movement proved problematic for Wardley, who struggled to land his power punches cleanly.

Parker’s recent resurgence had been largely attributed to his relocation to the UK and his association with trainer Andy Lee. Under Lee’s guidance, Parker had secured notable victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole, re-establishing himself as a force in the heavyweight division. The win over Wilder, in particular, was a career-defining moment, showcasing Parker’s resilience and improved boxing IQ. Prior to the Wardley fight, Parker was considered by many to be on the cusp of another world title opportunity.

Wardley, however, is known for his resilience and knockout power. His previous fight against Justis Huni demonstrated his ability to absorb punishment and turn the tide of a fight with a single punch. In that bout, Huni had outboxed Wardley for the majority of the contest, but Wardley managed to secure a dramatic tenth-round knockout.

Throughout the fight, Parker consistently landed cleaner shots and appeared to be in control. Wardley, however, displayed a granite chin, absorbing Parker’s punches and continuing to press forward. The middle rounds saw Parker maintaining his dominance, utilizing his jab and footwork to keep Wardley at bay.

As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Wardley began to increase his aggression, sensing that he needed to change the momentum of the fight. In the eleventh round, Wardley landed a series of heavy punches that momentarily stunned Parker, forcing him to retreat to the ropes. Wardley unleashed a barrage of punches, some of which appeared to miss their target, but the sheer volume of the attack prompted referee Steve Gray to step in and halt the contest.

The stoppage was immediately met with controversy. Many observers felt that Parker, despite being hurt, was still defending himself and deserved the opportunity to continue fighting. Social media platforms were flooded with opinions, with some fans and boxing analysts criticizing the referee’s decision as premature.

Parker himself expressed his disappointment with the stoppage in the immediate aftermath of the fight. While acknowledging that he was hurt, he maintained that he was still capable of defending himself and deserved the chance to fight back. He also hinted at the possibility of a rematch, stating that he was determined to regain his position in the heavyweight division.

Wardley, on the other hand, defended the referee’s decision, arguing that Parker was in a vulnerable position and that the stoppage was justified. He acknowledged that Parker was a tough opponent but maintained that he was confident in his ability to secure the victory.

The victory improves Wardley’s record to 20-0-1, with the majority of his wins coming by way of knockout. He now holds the interim WBO heavyweight title, which could potentially lead to a future title shot against Oleksandr Usyk. However, the controversial nature of the victory may lead to calls for a rematch with Parker.

Usyk, the current unified heavyweight champion, is scheduled to face Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated undisputed title fight. The winner of that bout will be obligated to face their mandatory challengers, which could include Wardley.

The WBO, one of the four major boxing organizations, often mandates that its interim champion be given preferential consideration for a title shot. However, the circumstances surrounding Wardley’s victory over Parker could complicate matters.

The controversy surrounding the stoppage has overshadowed what was otherwise a compelling and competitive fight. Parker’s performance demonstrated that he remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division, while Wardley’s resilience and power were also on display.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) is likely to review the referee’s decision, although it is rare for such decisions to be overturned. The outcome of the review could influence the WBO’s decision regarding Wardley’s status as interim champion.

The rematch between Wardley and Parker is a distinct possibility, given the close nature of the fight and the controversy surrounding the stoppage. A second fight would provide clarity and resolve any lingering doubts about the outcome.

Parker’s team is expected to formally request a rematch from Wardley’s promoters. Negotiations for a rematch could be complicated by the contractual obligations of both fighters, as well as the scheduling constraints of the heavyweight division.

The heavyweight division remains one of the most captivating in boxing, with a plethora of talented fighters vying for supremacy. The uncertainty surrounding the undisputed title fight between Usyk and Fury, coupled with the emergence of new contenders like Wardley, ensures that the division will continue to generate intrigue and excitement.

The fight between Wardley and Parker served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of boxing and the fine margins that often separate victory from defeat. The controversy surrounding the stoppage will undoubtedly fuel debate and discussion within the boxing community for weeks to come. The possibility of a rematch looms large, promising another compelling chapter in the careers of both fighters.