Joseph Parker has decided to move forward with his boxing career rather than wait for Oleksandr Usyk, scheduling his next fight for October 25 against undefeated British heavyweight Fabio Wardley. The temporary WBO champion will face Wardley at London's O2 Arena in what could potentially become a full championship bout.
"I can't put my career on hold waiting for decisions from others. It's time to get back in the ring and do what I do best," Parker might be thinking as he begins preparation for the October showdown.
The New Zealander holds a professional record of 36-3 with 23 knockouts, while his British opponent Wardley remains undefeated at 19-0-1 with an impressive 18 KOs to his name. This matchup brings together two heavy hitters in the division at a critical moment for the heavyweight landscape.
Interestingly, the bout could have even bigger stakes than initially planned. According to Ring Magazine, there's a real possibility the full WBO heavyweight title might be on the line if the organization strips Usyk of his belt. The Ukrainian champion requested a medical exemption citing back problems, but has found himself in the middle of controversy.
Videos recently surfaced showing Usyk dancing on stage with singer Ivo Bobul and participating in a charity football match – activities that have raised questions about the severity of his reported back injury. If the WBO determines Usyk cannot substantiate his medical claims, Parker would be elevated to full champion status and defend that title against Wardley.
However, if Usyk successfully proves his injury is legitimate, the winner of the Parker-Wardley clash would simply become the mandatory challenger for a title shot against the Ukrainian next year.
Meanwhile, speculation about Usyk's future continues to swirl. His team director Sergiy Lapin has notably refused to address questions about whether the undefeated champion (24-0, 15 KOs) is considering retirement. Could this be the beginning of the end for one of boxing's most accomplished fighters?
