Wardley after knocking out Parker: “I’ll say just one thing — ‘Uuuusyk’”

On October 25 at the O2 Arena in London, UK, 30-year-old Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) scored an 11th-round knockout over Joseph Parker (36-4, 24 KOs), claiming the New Zealander’s interim WBO belt to add to his own interim WBA title.

After the victory, Wardley immediately shifted his focus toward the division’s undisputed king:

“I can say one thing: ‘Uuuusyk, Uuuusyk.’

We knew he (Parker) was strong. We knew what he would do. Respect to Joseph Parker, but we prepared for this.

I told everyone I wouldn’t lose tonight — and I did exactly what I promised,” said Wardley.

The winner of Parker vs Wardley had already been labeled a leading contender to face undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Wardley has now officially positioned himself for that opportunity.