Wardley stuns Parker, wants Usyk next

Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) stunned Joseph Parker (36-4, 24 KOs) with a round 11 technical knockout victory on Saturday night in London’s O2 Arena and now wants to fight next Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) for undisputed heavyweight title.

“I’ve got only one thing to say,” said Wardley, imitating the Ukrainian. “Usyk. Usyk.

“I said all the way through this build-up, we’ll beat Joseph Parker. I believed I’m at the top – I proved I’m at the top. It’s something we planned for.

“All credit to Joseph Parker – he can’t get enough respect from me. He took a chance he didn’t have to against a risky fighter like myself.

“What I lack in experience I make up for in heart, determination and will. [Victory] hasn’t sunk in yet at all.”

Parker was ahead on points but was stunned by Wardley in round eleven.

With victory Wardley got the WBO Interim World heavyweight title.

After fight Parker said he is ready for rematch.

“At the end of the fight, I thought I was fine, but listen, I’m not the ref,” said the New Zealander. “I’m not the one controlling the fight in terms of refereeing. But I went out there – we both went out there and gave it our best and he won so he’s a better man.

“He’s a tough man. Like I said before the fight, he was confident, he had self-belief, and he showed that he’s a warrior. So all I can say is congratulations to Fabio Wardley for a tough fight. He’s a warrior. And a congratulations and all the best for what’s next. Hopefully we can have a rematch – that’s the way it is.

In co-main event Jurgen Uldedaj (21-1) defeated Rolly Lambert Fogoum (18-4-1) and won the vacant IBO World cruiserweight title. All three judges (118:110, 120:108 and 119:109) scored in favor of Uldedaj.