Joseph Parker to Face Fabio Wardley in London as Usyk Recovers from Injury

New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker is preparing to return to the ring, but contrary to earlier expectations, it won’t be against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. Instead, reports suggest that Parker is closing in on a deal to face Fabio Wardley, a dangerous and unbeaten Briton, in what promises to be one of the most intriguing heavyweight clashes of 2025.

According to The Ring, the fight between Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley is being finalized by Queensberry Promotions and is likely to take place at London’s iconic O2 Arena on October 25, 2025. This bout, featuring the WBO and WBA interim titleholders, will serve as a crucial stepping stone toward a potential showdown with Usyk down the line.

Why Not Usyk?

Back in July, the WBO ordered negotiations for Parker to face Usyk, who had just defended his undisputed crown by defeating Daniel Dubois. Parker was widely expected to be next in line, and even promoter Frank Warren confirmed that discussions were moving in that direction.

However, injuries have delayed Usyk’s return. The Ukrainian champion, who has endured a grueling schedule with back-to-back unification fights, is currently taking time to recover. This created an opening in the schedule, and Parker has seized the opportunity to stay active rather than wait on the sidelines.

The Matchup: Parker vs. Wardley

The proposed fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley has the potential to electrify the heavyweight division.

• Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs): The experienced New Zealander is a former WBO heavyweight champion with victories over names like Andy Ruiz Jr. and Dereck Chisora. At 33, he is determined to earn another crack at world championship glory.

• Fabio Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs): The undefeated Briton has built a reputation as one of the most powerful punchers in the division. With 18 knockouts in 20 fights, Wardley’s aggressive style makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone. His most recent victory came in June, when he scored a dramatic knockout against Justis Huni.

The clash represents a classic storyline: the proven veteran seeking redemption versus the hungry contender eager to announce himself on the world stage.

Venue: The O2 Arena, London

The O2 Arena has become synonymous with big nights of British boxing, hosting stars such as Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and David Haye over the years. Holding Parker vs. Wardley there guarantees a passionate crowd, with Wardley bringing strong local support and Parker attracting international fans from New Zealand and beyond.

The timing—late October—also makes it a centerpiece in the boxing calendar, ensuring maximum attention.

Parker’s Recent Form

Despite limited activity in recent months, Parker has shown flashes of his best form.

• In February 2025, he defeated Martin Bakole via TKO, demonstrating sharpness and confidence against one of the division’s toughest challengers.

• In March 2024, he scored a majority decision victory over Zhilei Zhang, another formidable opponent.

These results remind fans that Parker is still a major force. With a renewed training partnership alongside coach Andy Lee, he has returned to Europe for camp and appears focused on making another statement.

Wardley’s Rise in the Heavyweight Division

On the other side, Fabio Wardley has rapidly climbed the heavyweight ladder. His knockout of Justis Huni was perhaps his most impressive display, highlighting his ability to snatch victory even when behind on the scorecards.

Wardley’s strengths lie in his explosive punching power, relentless aggression, and self-belief. While he lacks Parker’s experience at the highest level, his hunger and finishing ability make him a genuine threat.

A win over Parker would transform Wardley from a rising contender into a legitimate world title challenger.

What’s at Stake?

The stakes for this fight could not be higher:

• For Joseph Parker: Victory keeps him in line for a future showdown with Usyk and solidifies his status as one of the most relevant heavyweights in the world. A defeat, however, would be disastrous, potentially ending his hopes of reclaiming a world title.

• For Fabio Wardley: This is the chance to prove himself against an established former champion. A win would fast-track him into the global spotlight, while a loss would slow down but not end his career momentum.

Both men know that everything is on the line, making the fight even more compelling.

The Usyk Factor

Even though Parker won’t face Usyk immediately, the Ukrainian champion looms large over this bout. The winner of Parker vs. Wardley is expected to become the leading contender for Usyk’s next mandatory defense, assuming the champion does not vacate the WBO belt.

Should Usyk choose to vacate, Parker or Wardley could be elevated to full champion, making October’s fight even more consequential.

Keys to Victory

Breaking down the fight tactically offers insight into how each man might approach the contest:

• Joseph Parker’s Keys to Victory:

  • Use his jab to control distance.

  • Rely on his superior experience to neutralize Wardley’s aggression.

  • Take the fight into the later rounds where his conditioning and composure could prove decisive.

• Fabio Wardley’s Keys to Victory:

  • Apply early pressure to test Parker’s durability.

  • Use his power to force Parker onto the defensive.

  • Avoid letting Parker dictate the pace with his jab and movement.

The Bigger Heavyweight Landscape

The heavyweight division is stacked with talent, and every fight at the top level carries ripple effects. Alongside Parker, Wardley, and Usyk, other big names such as Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, Jared Anderson, and Moses Itauma are shaping the future of the division.

• If Parker wins, he reinforces his position among the elite and keeps his world title ambitions alive.

• If Wardley wins, British boxing gains another heavyweight star capable of filling stadiums.

This fight could therefore shift the balance of power in the heavyweight rankings.

Training Camps and Preparation

Parker has returned to Europe to train with Andy Lee, the Irish coach who has helped sharpen his technical skills and discipline. The pair have worked closely to refine Parker’s jab, improve his inside fighting, and boost his stamina.

Wardley, meanwhile, has been training in the UK with an emphasis on power, conditioning, and sparring with taller opponents to simulate Parker’s style. Both camps are treating the fight as career-defining, adding to the intensity.

Conclusion: A Crucial Step Toward Heavyweight Glory

The upcoming clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, expected to take place at London’s O2 Arena on October 25, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most important fights of the year.

While Parker initially hoped to fight Oleksandr Usyk next, circumstances have shifted, and this showdown offers both men the chance to move closer to the world title picture.

For Parker, it is about proving he still belongs at the very top. For Wardley, it is about seizing the opportunity of a lifetime. Either way, fans are in for a thrilling heavyweight battle with huge implications for the future of the division.