‘I watched Parker from the pub, now I’m fighting him’

Fabio Wardley vs. Joseph Parker

O2 Arena, London Date: Saturday, October 25th, 2018

In Cardiff, New Zealand’s Joseph Parker and British boxing’s Anthony Joshua squared off in a unified heavyweight title fight.

As fight fans gathered around shimmering television screens in an Ipswich boozer, a whiff of lager and crackle of anticipation filled The Plough.

Fabio Wardley, a novice professional who had a few fights, was one of the spectators who watched the night before, cheering with his pals as pints fell and punches flew.

Wardley was still dabbling in the unlicensed white-collar scene two years prior, when Parker won the WBO title against Andy Ruiz, despite having only laced up gloves when she was a 20-year veteran of recruitment.

The idea of Parker and him sharing a ring, let alone a billing, sounded like something that had been invented after a few rounds.

Wardley claims that she had no lofty professional goals. “I just got into it because I liked how competitive it was in one-on-one relationships.”

However, a good night’s sleep can transform a person’s life sooner. The man who once watched Parker at O2 Arena in London with a pint in hand will stand up to him on Saturday.

Oleksandr Usyk and all four of the world’s heavyweight titles are anticipated to be won by the winner.

Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs), who has a lot of experience, is an underdog against Parker, whose sensational knockout ratio ensures that there is always a chance for a one-man punch to end the fight.

He has demonstrated his ability to deliver that devastating force against formidable domestic foes, such as his brutal rematch with Frazer Clarke, who won gold in the Olympics.

The Englishman strengthened his standing as a real threat by defeating Australian Justis Huni in June.

Wardley is adamant that Parker will stop Parker before the last bell because he believes his reputation as a knockout fighter can cause opponents to undervalue his boxing prowess.

Wardley claims that “my track record of knocking out fighters is evident.” Parker’s absence doesn’t seem like I should [knock him out], but I do have faith in it.

Parker has a penchant for canvassing. Zhilei Zhang, Dillian Whyte, and Derek Chisora have dropped him, and Joe Joyce has knocked him out.

He has a proven world-level contender, whether he is a top-three or top-four heavyweight, and has under coach Andy Lee rebuilt his career impressively.

According to 33-year-old Parker, “I’ve been operating at a higher level for a long time, and I feel like I’m only getting better.”

Both men have an opinion about the pressure.

Parker has previously been a world champion. He has the training. The underdog is me. Everyone will be surprised if I win,” Wardley says.

Parker agrees, but he continues, “I don’t feel any pressure because I’m prepared the best I can.”

Parker has the unfortunate distinction of not having the opportunity to become a two-time world champion after defeating Deontay Wilder and Zhang.

Before being forced to withdraw due to illness, the Briton was scheduled to fight Daniel Dubois in February for the IBF belt. Parker then effortlessly defeated stand-in Martin Bakole.

Parker, the mandatory challenger to Usyk and the WBO’s interim champion, could have anticipated the undisputed king’s recovery and inevitable payday, but that is not his style.

He claims that relaxing and waiting for a fight with Usyk is futile.

“Imagine waiting for it for so long before you finally received it.” What purpose did it serve? We simply want to fight the best fighters available to us as a team.

Wardley has a chance to demonstrate how far raw ambition and heavy hands can take him while Parker is confident that his risk will be justified.