The long-awaited Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker heavyweight encounter is official. On October 25, 2025, the legendary O2 Arena in London will witness a war of attrition between two top heavyweights who are moving closer to a bid at undisputed heavyweight crowns.
Stacked by Frank Warren, the fight matches unbeaten British monster Fabio Wardley against ex-WBO world champion Joseph Parker in a battle with real world title stakes.
Fabio Wardley: Britain’s Knockout Artist on the Rise
Fabio Wardley, who is 30 years old right now, holds the WBA interim heavyweight title with a tremendous record of 19 wins (18 of which are by KO). Fabio is a fantastic fighter with an explosive power and raw aggression which has caused him to quickly rise up the professional ranks even after his journey into boxing started in the white collar circuit.
In June 2025, Wardley once again proved his finishing power with a devastating one punch knockout of Justis Huni in the 10th round having been somewhat behind on the judges scorecards. He has also knocked out respected opponents David Adeleye and Olympic medalist, Frazer Clarke, establishing himself in the oversubscribed heavyweight division.
Joseph Parker: The Former World Champion Still Chasing Glory
Joseph Parker, aged 33, was WBO heavyweight world champion from 2016 to 2018. Having lost a hard fight to Joe Joyce in 2022, the New Zealand heavyweight has since recovered by winning six on the bounce, claiming the WBO interim belt and being the mandatory challenger to reigning undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk.
Even though Parker was originally targeting a fight with Usyk, that match has since been put back because the Ukrainian suffered an injury. The WBO subsequently asked for medical evidence after it caught wind of Usyk dancing in public, hence doubts over his health.
What’s at Stake in Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Both men, having interim world titles, the WBA’s being held by Wardley and the WBO’s by Parker, have the winner likely securing a world title shot. For choosing to fight instead of awaiting sanctioning body rulings, the two men have garnered well-deserved accolades from both fans and promoters.
“Neither Joe nor Fabio wanted to sit back and safeguard their rankings. Both men deserve credit for them for stepping up,” stated promoter Frank Warren.
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This is an even-money fight, and their difference in style will ensure an explosive and fan-friendly battle.”
The Current Heavyweight Scene
The heavyweight division is still politically complex, with several belts, interim titles, and “regular” champions clouding the issue.
Usyk has all four of the big heavyweight belts (WBA, WBO, IBF, WBC)
Fabio Wardley is WBA interim champion; Kubrat Pulev WBA “regular” titleholder
Joseph Parker is WBO interim champion and mandatory challenger in official positions
Agit Kabayel is WBC’s interim champion
Derek Chisora, surprisingly, IBF’s #2 ranked challenger without an obvious mandatory on the books
This disarrayed structure, though, hasn’t hindered the action. Bouts like Wardley and Parker are marching forward, leaving the division’s momentum alive.
Rising Star Moses Itauma Waiting in the Wings
Another name making waves in the heavyweight division is Moses Itauma. Ranked #1 by both the WBA and WBO, Itauma has been tipped as the next big thing. Following his knockout win over Dillian Whyte in August, talk among fans and analysts started about a possible showdown with Usyk.
But Queensberry Promotions promoters are said to be eyeing a more cautious route, potentially setting up a bout with Filip Hrgovic before making a potential leap towards Usyk.
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