“We Will Fight Anyone, Any Time!” – Parker and Wardley Refuse to Wait for Usyk

The heavyweight boxing landscape continues to shift rapidly, and fighters unwilling to stay idle are seizing their moments. At the center of attention are Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, two interim champions who have decided that waiting for Oleksandr Usyk is no longer part of their plan. Instead, they will face each other on October 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena, a matchup that promises to be one of the biggest heavyweight showdowns of the year.

Both fighters stressed at their first joint press conference that they have no interest in waiting for Usyk’s medical situation to clear or for negotiations to be finalized. Their determination and hunger reflect the very best of heavyweight boxing: warriors ready to step into the ring, no matter the opponent.

The Background: Usyk’s Situation and the Waiting Game

Oleksandr Usyk, who reclaimed the IBF strap from Daniel Dubois earlier this year, once again cemented his legacy by becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion for a second time. However, with success has come setbacks.

Usyk suffered a back injury and was granted a medical extension by sanctioning bodies to delay negotiations. This decision left both fans and contenders frustrated, as it effectively put much of the heavyweight division on hold. Joseph Parker, the WBO interim champion, had been ordered to face Usyk as the mandatory challenger, but delays have slowed the process.

For Parker and his team, waiting around was never a viable option. The New Zealand fighter’s camp understood that his prime years should be spent in the ring, not in limbo. Similarly, Fabio Wardley, who holds the WBA interim strap, had no desire to stall his progress. Both men are eager to prove themselves as true contenders, even if it means clashing with one another before they get their shot at the undisputed king.

Joseph Parker’s View: Experience and Relentless Drive

At the press conference, Joseph Parker made it clear that he is ready for whatever challenge comes his way. Having rebuilt his career after a tough stoppage loss to Joe Joyce three years ago, Parker has shown resilience, determination, and a renewed hunger for success.

“I’ve fought a lot of fighters out there with big punches, and they haven’t really been able to get me out of there,” Parker told reporters. “I want to give credit to Fabio for taking this fight. I could have sat and waited for Usyk. But we, as fighters, have shown that we will fight anyone, any time. I think this is going to be a great fight.”

The New Zealander emphasized his edge in experience, reminding everyone of his long resume against elite competition. With wins over Andy Ruiz Jr., Derek Chisora, and Deontay Wilder in recent years, Parker has proven he belongs at the very top of the division.

“There are levels,” he said firmly. “I bring a lot of experience, belief, and determination. With everything I’ve been working on, I’m excited to see what I can do in the ring on October 25.”

Fabio Wardley’s Response: Hunger Meets Opportunity

For Fabio Wardley, the upcoming fight represents a career-defining opportunity. Still unbeaten at 19-0-1 (18 KOs), Wardley has climbed the ranks quickly, proving himself against solid competition while continuing to refine his style. His victory over Justis Huni in June solidified his position as one of the division’s rising stars.

Speaking at the media event, Wardley highlighted why he refused to wait for Usyk.

“[It is a] huge moment in my career, [a] defining moment,” Wardley said. “I am committed to that setting of big fights only. I’ve not come here to play around. I’ve not made it this far in my career to just hang about and wait for things to be handed to me. I’m very much a go-getter. I made my way through the rankings.”

Wardley is determined to show that his rise is no fluke. Facing an experienced veteran like Parker offers the perfect chance to test himself on the world stage.

“While Usyk is tied up, there is no other better competitor in the division right now than Joseph Parker,” Wardley continued. “I’ve got the experience and the hunger to take me through into a top-level fight.”

What’s at Stake: Interim Belts and a Potential Path to Full Gold

The fight is not just about pride and proving ground—it also carries significant implications for the heavyweight championship picture.

If the WBO eventually strips Usyk of his belt due to inactivity or injury, Parker could be upgraded to full champion status. That would make the October 25 showdown a fight with even greater stakes, as Wardley would then have the chance to compete for the full world title.

Even if that scenario does not unfold, the winner of Parker vs. Wardley will emerge as one of the most legitimate contenders in the division, strengthening their position for future fights against Usyk, Tyson Fury, or Anthony Joshua.

The Matchup: Experience vs. Rising Power

The fight at The O2 Arena is being billed as a clash of styles and stories. On one side, Parker represents seasoned experience—a fighter who has been to the mountaintop and is determined to climb back again. On the other, Wardley is the hungry lion, eager to prove he belongs at the elite level and willing to take risks to get there.

For Parker, the key will be leveraging his technical skills, footwork, and ability to handle big punchers. His durability and ring IQ have carried him through many high-pressure moments.

Wardley, meanwhile, will rely on his youth, explosiveness, and knockout power. With 18 KOs in 20 fights, he has shown he can end a bout in an instant. The question is whether his power and aggression will be enough to overcome Parker’s experience and composure under fire.

Why This Fight Matters for Heavyweight Boxing

The heavyweight division thrives when its fighters stay active and ambitious. Too often, politics, injuries, and negotiations delay major matchups, leaving fans frustrated. The decision by Parker and Wardley to fight each other instead of waiting around sends a powerful message: true fighters want to fight.

For fans, this bout is a gift—a matchup between two legitimate top contenders with much to prove. It keeps the division moving forward while Usyk recovers and maintains excitement in a weight class that has long been boxing’s crown jewel.

Predictions and Expectations

While predictions vary, most analysts agree this fight could be closer than many expect. Parker’s experience makes him the favorite in some circles, but Wardley’s youth and knockout power cannot be overlooked.

The outcome may come down to whether Parker can neutralize Wardley’s aggression and take him into the later rounds, where experience often proves decisive. Conversely, if Wardley can impose his will early, he has the tools to score a career-defining victory.

Final Thoughts: A Fight Fans Deserve

With Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley set for October 25 at The O2 Arena, boxing fans are in for a genuine heavyweight showdown. Both men have made it clear: they are unwilling to sit back and wait for Oleksandr Usyk. Instead, they are taking control of their careers and delivering the kind of fight that keeps the sport alive.

Parker summed it up best: “We will fight anyone, any time.” Wardley echoed the same sentiment, making this matchup not just a fight, but a statement about what heavyweight boxing should be.

Whatever happens on fight night, one thing is certain—the heavyweight division just got a lot more exciting.