Tyson Fury had foreseen that Joseph Parker would encounter significant challenges against Fabio Wardley before suffering a defeat, as revealed by Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager. The two had shared their insights before the main event at the O2 Arena, where Parker defended his WBO interim title against Wardley in a high-stakes match with the victor earning a shot at Oleksandr Usyk.
Wardley delivered a career-defining performance by stopping the former world champion in the 11th round with a relentless flurry of punches, prompting the referee to intervene and end the fight. Despite being behind on two of the three judges’ scorecards, Wardley’s victory surprised many, but Fury’s prediction had already hinted at the challenging night Parker would face.
In a recent interview with iFL TV, Brown quoted Fury saying, “Joe is going to have a lot of problems with this fella.” Fury highlighted Wardley’s unorthodox boxing style, emphasizing his unique ability to land unexpected punches from unconventional angles.
Following his impressive win in London, Wardley expressed his confidence in his skills, stating that he selected Parker as he believed in his own capabilities and proved his place at the top of the boxing hierarchy. With a mandatory shot at Usyk looming, promoter Frank Warren is eyeing a potential fight in March between Usyk and Wardley, aiming for an agreement to avoid purse bids.
Despite Warren’s optimism, Derek Chisora advised Wardley to steer clear of Usyk and opt for a matchup against Daniel Dubois instead. Chisora, praising Wardley’s toughness, acknowledged the challenge Usyk poses and suggested Wardley take his time before facing him.
In other boxing news, Joshua Buatsi and Zach Parker are set to face off on November 1 in Manchester, with the undercard scheduled to start at 6pm UK time. The main event will see Parker entering the ring first, followed by Buatsi, and the entire event will be broadcast live on DAZN, a popular streaming service accessible through various platforms with subscription options available for viewers.
The evolving boxing landscape continues to intrigue fans, with upcoming matchups and potential showdowns shaping the future of the sport.