Last Updated on: 25th October 2025, 08:52 pm
The O2 Arena in London is set for an explosive afternoon of heavyweight drama as Joseph Parker defends his WBO interim heavyweight title against Fabio Wardley, the reigning WBA interim champion, in a high-stakes showdown that could determine the next challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed crown. The clash headlines an action-packed card streaming live on DAZN pay-per-view from 1:30 p.m. ET, with main-event ring walks expected around 5 p.m. ET.
WATCH: Parker vs Wardley PPV Anywhere
A Battle of Experience vs. Explosiveness
For Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs), this bout marks another opportunity to prove he remains among the world’s elite. The 32-year-old New Zealander is riding a six-fight winning streak following his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce. Since then, Parker has reignited his career with impressive wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole, showcasing renewed confidence and tactical discipline under trainer Andy Lee. Once criticized for being too cautious, Parker has recently mixed aggression with composure — a dangerous combination for anyone standing across from him.
Meanwhile, Fabio Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs) continues his fairytale rise in the heavyweight ranks. A former white-collar boxer with no amateur pedigree, Wardley has bulldozed through his professional career with raw power and self-belief. His stunning 10th-round knockout of Justis Huni to claim the WBA interim belt proved that he’s more than just a brawler — he’s a natural finisher with the instincts of a born fighter.
Wardley’s all-action style has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting heavyweights in Britain. His rivalry with Frazer Clarke — capped by a first-round knockout in their 2024 rematch — showed his ability to learn, adapt, and strike with lethal precision.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Beyond championship gold, there’s a massive prize awaiting the winner: a potential date with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship. With the division’s landscape shifting rapidly, both fighters know that an emphatic win could catapult them into the sport’s biggest spotlight.
For Parker, victory would reaffirm his elite credentials and possibly earn him a second world title shot. For Wardley, a win would complete one of the most remarkable rise-to-glory stories in modern boxing — from the white-collar circuit to the cusp of undisputed contention.
Style Breakdown
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Parker:
A calculated technician who relies on sharp combinations, smart footwork, and strong defensive awareness. His jab sets up heavy counters, and his experience in 12-round wars gives him a composure advantage. -
Wardley:
A natural aggressor with fast hands and legitimate knockout power. He’s unpredictable and fearless, always pressing forward. While his defense can be leaky, his ability to turn fights around with one punch makes him dangerous at any moment.
Expect a classic clash of styles — Parker’s precision and patience against Wardley’s raw aggression and knockout intent.
Main Card Lineup (1:30 p.m. ET, DAZN PPV)
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WBO Interim Heavyweight Title: Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley
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IBO Cruiserweight Title: Juergen Uldedaj vs. Rolly Lambert Fogoum
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Light Heavyweight: Ezra Taylor vs. Steed Woodall
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Super Featherweight: Danny Quartermaine vs. Royston Barney-Smith
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Super Featherweight: Mitchell Smith def. Arnie Dawson (UD, 96-93, 98-91, 98-91)
Prelims (11 a.m. ET, Uncrowned):
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Hassan Ishaq def. Jake Pollard via 2nd-round KO
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Tony Curtis def. Lakshmy Zaragoza Contreras via points (60-54)
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Zayn Ahmed def. Engel Gomez via points (38-37)
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George Crotty def. Bahadur Karami via points (40-36)
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Jimmydean Wood def. Artjom Spatar via points (40-36)
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Anton Esson def. Jordan Ellison via points (39-37)
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate a high-energy, heavy-handed encounter that could end at any moment. Parker’s experience gives him a strategic edge, but Wardley’s fearlessness and knockout power make him a live threat throughout.
It’s the ultimate test of skill versus power, polish versus passion, and for both men — a fight that could change their careers forever.
When the bell rings at The O2, one thing is certain: fireworks are guaranteed.
