Parker vs Wardley LIVE!
Fabio Wardley stunned Joseph Parker in a heavyweight thriller on Saturday night. The former British and Commonwealth champion bested his resurgent rival in a massive upset in a memorable main event at London’s O2 Arena, with referee Howard Foster stepping in to wave off an engrossing bout in round 11.
Wardley’s career-best win kept him undefeated and saw him claim the WBO interim title, putting him first in line for a shot at the undisputed king of boxing’s glamour division, Oleksandr Usyk. That fight looks set to happen in a stadium in either the spring or summer of 2026, with Usyk having been recovering from a back injury that previously scuppered negotiations with Parker, who suffered his fourth career defeat and first since being stopped by Joe Joyce in 2022.
On Saturday night’s undercard, the vacant IBO cruiserweight world title was won by Juergen Uldedaj against Rolly Lambert, following earlier wins for Ezra Taylor, Royston Barney-Smith and Mitchell Smith. There were also victories in the capital for Hassan Ishaq, Zayn Ahmed, Tony Curtis Jr, George Crotty, Jimmy Dean Wood and Anton Esson. Follow Parker vs Wardley reaction live below!
Parker vs Wardley results
- Fabio Wardley stops Joseph Parker late in stunning upset
- Juergen Uldedaj beats Rolly Lambert to win IBO cruiserweight title
- Ezra Taylor stops Steed Woodall in ninth round
- Royston Barney-Smith dominates Danny Quartermaine
- Mitchell Smith beats Arnie Dawson by unanimous decision
- Early wins for Zayn Ahmed and Hassan Ishaq
When will Wardley face Usyk?
01:14 , George FloodA brilliant post-fight interview with the thoughtful and measured Fabio Wardley, who reflected further on his remarkable journey from white-collar boxing to a likely shot at undisputed heavyweight glory.
He also called out Oleksandr Usyk, whom he will now be expected to fight for all four world title belts in a potential stadium showdown in spring or summer 2026 - somewhere bigger than Portman Road.
"Usyk said he wants to do it, so that's what it will be,” said Frank Warren.
“It's a 36-minute fight and it only takes one second from him."
We didn’t hear from Joseph Parker in the ring straight after the fight as he went backstage.
Fabio Wardley CALLS OUT Oleksandr Usyk! 🗣
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 25, 2025
He is now the WBO mandatory challenger to the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion 👑#ParkerWardley pic.twitter.com/mAxK8OjF0Q
Early stoppage from Howard Foster?
01:10 , George FloodI’m seeing plenty of talk on social media and indeed the DAZN broadcast about that being a premature stoppage from Howard Foster.
What do we think? I didn’t believe so at the time I must admit, but replays suggest it may have been a tad early.
Joseph Parker and Andy Lee didn’t seem to have too many complaints, while Fabio Wardley said he thought it should have been stopped a few punches earlier.
Tony Bellew has weighed in...
That’s a bad stoppage! At this level of boxing the stoppage has to be definitive! That wasn’t! Well done to both fighters btw! Really good competitive fight 👏🔥👏
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) October 25, 2025
The DAZN broadcast report that Wardley was behind by six rounds (!) and two rounds on two of the judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage, with the third judge having it level.
So that was badly needed!
Wardley is on his back in the middle of the ring as the enormity of this upset sinks in, being hugged by his cornermen.
The best win of his career so far by a long, long, long way.
From a few white-collar fights to guaranteeing a shot at undisputed heavyweight glory against the great Oleksandr Usyk, all in the span of about eight years.
What a journey and what a fight. A modern heavyweight classic!
A hammer blow for Parker and the end of his remarkable resurgence - many worried this was too much of a risk and so it proved.
He loses his WBO interim title and status as No1 contender to Usyk.
Credit to him for taking the fight, but there must be regrets.
Fabio Wardley stops Joseph Parker in stunning upset
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:43 , George FloodRound 11
Parker is cut around his left eye now and it’s clearly bothering him with blood streaming out.
He’s caught massively again and this could be it as Wardley batters him all around the ring!
Nothing coming back from Parker now, he can’t hold on as the referee eventually steps in to wave it off.
WOW! WHAT AN UPSET!
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:40 , George FloodRound 10
Amazing action in the 10th, utterly scintillating stuff with Wardley hurt again but Parker left clinging on at the bell after a massive onslaught from Wardley!
Truly extraordinary. How has there not been a knockdown?!
The chins and sheer powers of recovery on display here are just remarkable.
What a round, my word.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:35 , George FloodRound 9
Parker comes storming back after a poor eighth and hurts Wardley with a thumping left hook with a minute to go in the ninth!
Wardley shakes it off and throws back, but Parker is doing some lovely work in this round.
But now Wardley finishes strongly, attacking the body once again.
Two absolute warriors.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:33 , George FloodRound 8
The momentum of this cracking fight continues to veer back and forth very sharply.
A curious off-round for Parker in the eighth and a confident Wardley surely takes it, continuing to work the body well and utilising his jab to efficient effect.
The influence of respective trainers Andy Lee and Ben Davison could be absolutely crucial here the longer this goes.
It’s so, so tight.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:29 , George FloodRound 7
Wardley goes to the body well early in the seventh.
But he can’t sustain the pressure and he’s rocked back again by the right hand of Parker, who looks to jump on him on the ropes once more.
Another right hand upstairs from Parker and Wardley ties up near the ropes, trying to fire to the body.
Wardley looks to be really feeling the pace of this now.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:24 , George FloodRound 6
Parker is throwing out the double jab to try and set up the big right hand over the top, but it’s a bit careless at times and he looks vulnerable to a heavy counter.
The frenetic pace is dropping somewhat inevitably after that fast and furious opening, but Parker bursts into life again as he catches Wardley with a left hand and forces him across the ring and against the ropes.
Wardley connects with a sweet uppercut, but Parker responds brilliantly.
Parker’s round.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:19 , George FloodRound 5
These absorbing rounds are flying by!
Parker is starting to piece together some piercing combinations off the effective jab, attacking both head and body well now.
He’s beginning to assert some control in the middle of the ring, but Wardley is firing back at every opportunity.
Both men are breathing heavily at the end of the fifth, Wardley in particular.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:16 , George FloodRound 4
What a fight this is so far as Parker comes on strong midway through the fourth, but back comes Wardley quickly off the ropes as the two heavyweights trade furiously at close range.
The crowd are loving it. Superb stuff.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:11 , George FloodRound 3
You can’t take your eyes off this for a second - it’s started as the engrossing firefight we all hoped it would be.
Parker shoots back, with Wardley trying to detonate the huge overhand right and also digging well to the body.
Wardley smashes another wincing right hand off Parker’s chin - how is he still upright?!
Parker fighting fire with fire, but Wardley is firmly on top at the moment.
Can he maintain this pace?
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:08 , George FloodRound 2
Incredible action in the second as Parker lands again early but Wardley comes roaring back and has him in big trouble!
Parker looks to be hurt several times in quick succession, he can’t escape and he’s trapped in the corner until the gumshield comes out and buys him some crucial seconds - the pumped up crowd don’t like that.
Parker had started the better but that’s a fierce reminder of Wardley’s awesome power.
Parker will be grateful for the bell - Wardley’s corner are furious with the gumshield coming out when their man was hunting the stoppage.
You’ll be hearing more about that...
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:03 , George FloodRound 1
Both men are trying to work quickly behind the jab early on here as they feel each other out.
There is already blood on the side of the nose of Wardley.
Both men enjoy little pockets of success before Wardley looks to be buzzed by a right hand from Parker, who jumps on him and lets his hands go.
The bell sounds!
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:00 , George FloodHERE WE GO!
Final introductions done, we are underway in this heavyweight main event at London’s O2 Arena.
Another reminder that a shot at Oleksandr Usyk's undisputed heavyweight titles is up for grabs here.
The stakes are huge.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:55 , George FloodParker looks as composed and relaxed as ever as he ring walks in a white and gold robe, having received some late words of wisdom from Tyson Fury back in the dressing room.
He’s quickly followed by Wardley, who is decked out in Ipswich Town blue as usual.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley coming up
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:50 , George FloodJust the main event now to come at London’s O2 Arena, where the crowd are belting out Sweet Caroline and ring walks are imminent.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley is coming up next, with a shot at undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on the line.
Don’t go anywhere! This could be explosive...
Juergen Uldedaj beats Rolly Lambert to win IBO cruiserweight title
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:45 , George FloodThe judges score the bout 120-108, 118-110, 119-109 - all in favour of Juergen Uldedaj, who claims the vacant IBO cruiserweight title.
No one will be clamouring for a rematch...
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:41 , George FloodRound 12
Probably Lambert’s best punch of the night in the 12th as he connects with a left hook, but it’s much too little, much too late.
The final bell sounds and the fighters embrace on their knees inside the ring.
No surprises as to which way this result is going.
A fight that will definitely not live long in the memory.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:34 , George FloodRound 11
The painfully familiar theme of this dire fight continues through the penultimate round.
Three minutes to go and Uldedaj is going to win this at a canter.
Lambert’s corner are trying to gee him up before the final round.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:32 , George FloodRound 10
Anyone who hoped that Lambert was saving himself for the latter stages of this fight is being left sorely disappointed.
Is he carrying an injury or something? Overawed by the occasion?
Still so, so passive and pedestrian.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:26 , George FloodRound 9
Uldedaj is still mostly coasting during what remains a desperately poor spectacle.
Lambert has upped his work rate a little and is trying to engage at times behind the jab, but it’s mostly ponderous and telegraphed.
Three rounds to go.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:24 , George FloodRound 8
I’m running out of ways to keep saying the same thing about this fight.
Can we just skip to the main event already?
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:18 , George FloodRound 7
Slight flickers again from Lambert early in the seventh, he finally seems to be waking up a little at long last.
But still nothing to unduly trouble Uldedaj.
I think it’s fair to say that neither of these fighters are taking the huge opportunity being presented to them here.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:15 , George FloodRound 6
Slight signs of life from Lambert now with the jab but it’s still Uldedaj on top, he’s obviously heavy-handed but can’t land these punches flush.
This fight is a stinker at the moment, I can’t lie.
No business having co-main event status.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:09 , George FloodRound 5
The crowd audibly make their displeasure with this frankly dull fight known again early in the fifth.
Uldedaj is continuing to try and spark it into life for his fans, with some heavy punches thrown with mixed success.
Lambert really needs to start showing something, anything, here.
A bizarre performance.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:05 , George FloodRound 4
Baffled by Lambert’s approach so far here, I must admit.
It’s all so insipid and passive as the rounds continue to tick by with him doing preciously little.
Uldedaj is continuing to maintain the pressure and rattling in some solid punches, but he’s still not having to do much at all to be on top.
Strange fight through the first third.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:01 , George FloodRound 3
Lambert joins in the switching in a bit of an odd spectacle.
Lambert is so continually passive and the crowd are starting to voice their frustration.
Uldedaj certainly isn’t wowing but he’s doing enough to be winning what the DAZN broadcast correctly describe as a glorified spar through three rounds.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:57 , George FloodRound 2
Uldedaj is switching stances repeatedly here in an attempt to bamboozle Lambert.
It’s not the tidiest of approaches by any means but he’s constantly on the front foot and certainly doing the more eye-catching work so far and landing the better shots.
Very tame stuff from Lambert in the opening two rounds.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:53 , George FloodRound 1
Uldedaj is the early aggressor, hunting down Lambert, taking centre ring and trying to plant his feet and let his hands go.
He rattles Lambert with a fast flurry late in the first, but most of that was deflected.
A promising start though from Uldedaj, the Germany-based Albanian who has a lot of fans inside the O2 Arena tonight by the sounds of it.
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:50 , George FloodRight, it’s finally time for the co-main event of the night after that rather strange heavyweight interlude.
The vacant IBO cruiserweight world title is up for grabs here as Juergen Uldedaj faces Rolly Lambert Fogoum.
Ezra Taylor vs Lewis Edmondson was originally supposed to be the chief support act at the O2 Arena this evening, only for the latter to withdraw injured and Taylor to be pushed down the bill.
Whyte vs Chisora 3 in the works
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:45 , George FloodNow we’ve had Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte both out on stage talking up a trilogy fight, with a bizarre cameo from Jarrell Miller.
Both of them seem up for it, though Chisora keeps insisting to Frank Warren that the contract has to be right - and it isn’t at the moment.
Whyte won both previous fights against Chisora, by a contentious split decision in Manchester in a classic in December 2016 and then via an 11th-round knockout in London two years later.
Heavyweights on stage
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:34 , George FloodNot too long now until Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley collide in tonight’s massive main event, when a shot at undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk is on the line.
There are so many premier heavyweights in the building this evening and most of them are now on stage with Frank Warren, being interviewed together on DAZN.
Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma, Agit Kabayel, Lawrence Okolie and David Adeleye is the lineup at the moment.
Ezra Taylor stops Steed Woodall in ninth round
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:24 , George FloodRound 9
Another vicious and sustained battering from Taylor early in the ninth and the towel now does come in from Woodall’s corner.
Unquestionably the correct decision.
Incredible courage and bravery after taking this fight on just five days’ notice, but he took a lot of damage there.
A spiteful performance from Taylor, who stays undefeated at 13-0 with a ninth stoppage and retains his WBA Continental Gold light-heavyweight title.
Let’s hope that Lewis Edmondson fight does come to pass.
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:19 , George FloodSteed Woodall is coming out for the ninth round...
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:19 , George FloodRound 8
Both referee Mark Bates and Woodall’s corner are taking a close look at this as Taylor continues to pile on the heavy punishment.
“You are a beautiful body-puncher,” trainer Malik Scott tells Taylor in the corner.
He certainly has been tonight.
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:16 , George FloodRound 7
More heavy punishment from a dominant Taylor inflicted throughout the seventh, he’s continuing to showcase a lovely array of formidable punches and combinations to both body and head.
All being set up by that fearsome jab still.
I’m not sure how Woodall has managed to stay upright, let alone continue to try and fight back.
Incredible courage and a granite chin.
But how much longer can he continue to take this?
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:11 , George FloodRound 6
Class stuff from Taylor, who is repeatedly hurting Woodall with a fine variety of stinging shots including a vicious uppercut that he has driven in a number of times.
Taylor is putting the ruthless combinations together at will now, unloading on Woodall, who is bruised and cut around his right eye.
But still Woodall keeps coming, with Taylor himself now cut near his left eye.
No doubting his heart and bravery.
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:06 , George FloodRound 5
Some wincing shots are now routinely finding their mark from a more energetic and precise Taylor, both to head and body.
But credit to Woodall, whose face is marked up but he’s shrugging them off and continuing to come forward - he’s hurt late in the fifth!
Some effort on five days’ notice, though you’d comfortably give all five rounds so far to Taylor.
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:04 , George FloodRound 4
Efficient work from Taylor, whose jab continues to be such a potent weapon.
Woodall is giving this plenty and trying to make inroads, but it’s much easier said than done.
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:00 , George FloodRound 3
Taylor ups the tempo in the third, lifting his work rate and throwing more, showing good variety on his punches.
That jab is working very nicely indeed at the moment.
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:56 , George FloodRound 2
Not too much to get excited about in this one so far.
A patient approach early doors from Taylor, who is trying to get to work behind that strong, fast left jab.
Woodall is busy and throwing plenty, but he’s not worrying Taylor with those flurry of short shots on the inside.
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:53 , George FloodRound 1
A lot of effort in the opening round from Woodall, but Taylor has already made that heavy jab felt.
An absolute ramrod of a left jab that already looks to be inflicting some early damage.
Ezra Taylor vs Steed Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:46 , George FloodThree fights to go at the O2 Arena, including tonight’s huge main event between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley.
We go to the light-heavyweight division now as unbeaten Nottingham fighter Ezra Taylor defends his WBA Continental Gold title against late replacement opponent Steed Woodall.
Birmingham’s Woodall stepped in for this fight at just five days’ notice following a hip injury suffered by British champion Lewis Edmondson in training this week.
Woodall had been preparing for the eight-man ‘Heist’ tournament coming up in a couple of weeks.
Royston Barney-Smith dominates Danny Quartermaine
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:35 , George FloodThe judges return scorecards of 98-90, 100-88, 100-88 - all in favour of course of the unbeaten Royston Barney-Smith, who moves to 15-0 and takes the IBF and WBO European super-featherweight titles.
What a statement on the biggest stage. Class!
A first defeat on a bruising night for Quartermaine, who loses his belts and drops to 13-1-1.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:32 , George FloodRound 10
A perfectly-timed short right check hook to the temple forces Quartermaine to his knee in the 10th and he receives a count.
Barney-Smith finishes a sublime statement performance with a flourish, trapping Quartermaine in the corner as he batters him and lets the big shots fly.
The final bell sounds. Total domination from Sugar Boy Roy!
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:29 , George FloodRound 9
Referee Marcus McDonnell has had more than enough of Quartermaine now, giving him another dressing-down that ends with him telling him to stop calling him ‘sir’.
A sparkling penultimate round from Barney-Smith, who has long since been in utter cruise control in a true statement performance on the big stage.
Tyson Fury looks suitably impressed at ringside.
Quartermaine just cannot get hold of him, still grasping at shadows as the southpaw continues to evade him by miles.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:26 , George FloodRound 8
Three rounds to go and I don’t think it’s hyperbole to suggest that Barney-Smith is currently pitching a shutout here.
It’s getting a bit chippy in there with Quartermaine being so badly frustrated.
He came into tonight with those dual European titles and an unbeaten record of his own.
Both are about to disappear, bar the most extraordinary comeback.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:21 , George FloodRound 7
Quartermaine is warned for use of the head at the start of the seventh and then has a point deducted just before the bell. The last thing he needed!
Barney-Smith’s utter domination of this fight continues - you can’t make a legitimate case for Quartermaine to have edged any.
Apparently 10 of the world’s best heavyweights are all at the O2 Arena tonight as Daniel Dubois is now pictured at ringside.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:16 , George FloodRound 6
Now a word from the referee for Barney-Smith for holding.
Just no idea what on earth Quartermaine can hope to do here to try and turn the tide, other than hope that RBS gets overconfident and complacent.
He’s being made to look so ponderous and sluggish by the fleet-footed challenger, whose ability to repeatedly evade attacks is remarkable.
And he counters like a dream, sharp and precise.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:11 , George FloodRound 5
A stern warning from the referee for a frustrated and overmatched Quartermaine for use of the shoulder as he tries any tactic to try and gain a foothold in this totally one-sided bout.
The gulf in class is obvious.
Quartermaine just cannot live with the speed and footwork of RBS.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:07 , George FloodRound 4
The movement and footwork from Barney-Smith is astonishing, as well as the hand speed and ring IQ.
Quartermaine is repeatedly grasping at shadows as he tries unsuccessfully to stem the Southampton star’s significant momentum and sheer rhythm.
4-0 to Sugar Boy Roy, easy. What a performance so far.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:06 , George FloodAn absolute boxing clinic at the moment from Royston Barney-Smith...
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:03 , George FloodRound 3
Barney-Smith stuns Quartermaine with a brilliantly disguised burst early in the third.
He’s dominating another round and Quartermaine is hurt right before the bell!
Barney-Smith tries to jump on him but there’s not enough time.
That was a cracking left hand straight down the pipe that Quartermaine just didn’t see coming, standing still for a moment before staggering back towards the ropes.
Quality from Barney-Smith.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:00 , George FloodRound 2
I always enjoy watching the silky smooth Barney-Smith and these two opening rounds have been no different.
He’s well on top at the moment, gliding around the ring and looking a cut above Quartermaine.
His hand speed is brilliant, the left such a weapon.
Quartermaine is already marked up around the face.
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:55 , George FloodRound 1
A solid opener from Barney-Smith, who is a very slick operator indeed.
Quartermaine took some sharp blows in that first round, caught more than once from that left hand.
Tyson Fury is now at ringside by the way after a grand entrance, sat next to Frank Warren.
He’s here to support friend and former training partner Joseph Parker.
The retired Fury this week insisted that he would never return to boxing...
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:49 , George FloodTo the super-featherweight division we go next as Danny Quartermaine defends his IBF and WBO European titles against the highly-rated Royston Barney-Smith - AKA ‘Sugar Boy Roy’.
This should be another cracker.
Someone’s 0 has got to go...
Mitchell Smith beats Arnie Dawson by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:38 , George FloodHere come those all-important scores.
96-93, 98-91, 98-91 - all in favour of Mitchell Smith, who wins by unanimous decision and sinks to his knees in delight as he picks up the vacant WBO European lightweight title.
What a story.
Can’t really argue with the result, though 98-91 feels much too wide to me. And on two cards, too.
A first career loss for Arnie Dawson, who deserves a lot of credit for taking a tough fight on such short notice.
He’ll be back.
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:32 , George FloodRound 10
An excellent final round from Smith, who excitedly runs around the ring, jumps on the ropes and screams ‘and the new’ - he clearly feels he has done enough.
And I think he’s right, he emptied the tank there in the 10th and landed a number of solid, eye-catching shots.
Redemption?
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:30 , George FloodRound 9
A familiar theme to this absorbing contest in the ninth and it feels like this is very much still up for grabs as we head into the final round.
There’s far more of an aura of confidence and poise around the unbeaten Dawson now, though Smith keeps firing back with venom and a superb engine.
How important will that first-round knockdown be if this goes the distance?
Only three minutes left...
Ricky Hatton tribute
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:28 , George FloodA lovely tribute to the late Ricky Hatton from Tony Curtis Jr earlier tonight.
His corner team, including Roy Jones Jr, were all wearing Hatton t-shirts too.
A touching tribute 🩵
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) October 25, 2025
Tony Curtis Jr paid homage to Ricky Hatton tonight 🙏#ParkerWardley | NOW | The O2, London | Watch LIVE on @DAZNBoxing PPV 📺 pic.twitter.com/K6fOIqIcKz
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:26 , George FloodRound 8
It’s really difficult to choose between these two at the moment, with both having their individual pockets of success and momentum continuing to swing sharply back and forth.
All to play for in the last two rounds, surely...
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:22 , George FloodRound 7
Dawson - who took this fight on less than two weeks’ notice - wisely wants to control the distance as much as possible here now as Smith tries to work his way inside whenever possible and let his hands go.
Dawson needs to keep this at range as Smith can be so heavy-handed in close.
Fascinating fight. Three rounds to go!
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:16 , George FloodRound 6
Smith narrowly misses with another attempt at a huge right hand over the top.
Dawson continues to try and hammer the body of his shorter opponent with those long punches.
It’s all a bit untidy at the moment, though Dawson now comes on strong late in the sixth.
Brilliant work as he crashes in a couple of sharp hooks to the head after drilling the body some more.
His best little spell of the fight so far and Smith slumps down on his stool.
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:12 , George FloodRound 5
Halfway through this scheduled 10-rounder and there’s plenty of effort and endeavour on the front foot from the busy Dawson.
But the handful of the most eye-catching shots in this fight so far have come from the resurgent Smith, including another wonderfully-timed right hand late in the fifth.
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:09 , George FloodRound 4
Better work from Dawson early in the fourth, but he’s struggling to unsettle Smith.
He needs to make better use of his height advantage and those long levers.
Dawson looks good when firing out the long shots, mostly to the body, but it’s not happening often enough.
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:05 , George FloodRound 3
Far too lazy with the lead hand from Dawson early in the third and he’s caught heavily by a whipped counter right upstairs in the middle of the ring. He felt that.
Such a lightning quick response from Smith.
Again he shakes it off though and the third round ends in something of a firefight with Dawson letting his hands go and the confident Smith beckoning him on.
Not sure much actually got through there, but a confidence-booster for Dawson nonetheless.
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:01 , George FloodRound 2
Dawson quickly gets his legs back underneath him and shakes off that shock late first-round knockdown.
The second round is mostly tentative and cagey by comparison, Dawson trying to assert some authority on the front foot and probing carefully.
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:57 , George FloodRound 1
Dawson is down just before the bell in the first! Wow.
So smooth from Smith, who digs in the left jab to the body to tee up a massive overhand right that lands flush on Dawson, who never saw it coming and drops to the canvas.
He’s quickly back up, but what a start from Smith.
Arnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:54 , George FloodArnie Dawson vs Mitchell Smith is set to begin tonight’s main undercard at the O2 Arena, with the vacant European WBO lightweight title up for grabs.
Clacton’s ‘Terminator’ Dawson is 8-0 but faces a tough test against Harrow’s 18-1 Smith, who used to be one of boxing’s most exciting prospects up at super-featherweight.
It has been a tough few years though for Smith, who has been to prison and battled alcohol, drug and gambling issues.
This is only Smith’s fifth fight since that pivotal loss to George Jupp in 2015.
Barry Jones maintains that Smith’s professional debut in 2012 was the finest he has ever seen in person, to this day.
10 years between these two - can Smith take another huge step towards redemption, having dropped so much weight to get down to lightweight?
He had ballooned above 18st but is now down to 9st 9lbs.
Here we go...
Tale of the tape
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:43 , George FloodFabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
30 Age 33
20 Fights 39
19 Wins 36
18 KOs 24
1 Draws 0
0 Losses 3
72 Rounds boxed 252
6ft 5in Height 6ft 4in
Orthodox Stance Orthodox
78in Reach 76in
17st 5lb Weight 18st 10lb
Here is that second successive stoppage from Hassan ‘Shooter’ Ishaq, who dropped the tough Jake Pollard with a jolting short right uppercut...
Hassan Ishaq gets the stoppage win in the second round! 💪
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 25, 2025
🎟 Buy #ParkerWardley NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | LIVE NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN pic.twitter.com/ryJ6ATy8BB
Hassan Ishaq stops journeyman Jake Pollard
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:18 , George FloodEmphatic from super-bantamweight talent Ishaq, who, per the DAZN broadcast, becomes only the sixth man to stop journeyman Pollard in 101 fights.
A lovely shot in the second gets the job done and makes it back-to-back stoppage victories to kick off his professional career.
That does it for the early prelim bill, with the main undercard coming up next at the O2 Arena.
Tony Curtis Jr easily outpoints Lakshmy Zaragoza Contreras
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:14 , George FloodTony Curtis Jr - with the great Roy Jones Jr in his corner - with a dominant showing against Lakshmy Zaragoza Contreras.
He takes it 60-54 after six fairly uneventful rounds at super-flyweight to move to 12-1.
Another Slough prospect will now round out tonight’s early prelim card as the 1-0 Hassan ‘Shooter’ Ishaq meets journeyman Jake Pollard.
Parker praises unusual Wardley rise: 'A great story'
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:07 , George FloodDespite the sky-high stakes, there is plenty of respect between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, with Parker expressing his admiration for Wardley’s unusual journey from white-collar fighter to interim heavyweight world champion with no amateur experience.
"For me it is a great story," Parker said earlier this week.
"With the white-collar background, not going through the same route that other fighters have been through like being an amateur and going around the world, so to do what he's done, it is quite amazing, but I don't think we should be touching on it any more.
"He's actually done really good in the professional game and now look where he's at.
"I know he had that background as a white-collar fighter, but now he has a lot more experience under his belt and he is in this position because he works hard, backs himself and believes in himself."
Wardley admits Parker's 'harsh luck' after Dubois and Usyk misses
Saturday 25 October 2025 17:58 , George FloodIt’s been quite the career renaissance from Joseph Parker, the 33-year-old former WBO heavyweight champion who had largely fallen off the radar before his crucial link-up with Andy Lee.
He dominated Deontay Wilder in Riyadh in December 2023 to scupper the Bronze Bomber’s hopes of finally facing Anthony Joshua, before getting off the canvas twice to outpoint the big-hitting Zhilei Zhang.
He’s had his fair share of bad luck of late though, first denied a shot at then IBF champion Daniel Dubois due to the Briton’s late illness and then seeing talks with undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk collapse due to the latter’s back injury.
"From his perspective - and anybody in his shoes - it would be harsh luck, isn't it? He's knocked over every task in front of him," Fabio Wardley said of his rival this week.
"He's kept grafting into that top row of the division and at the end of his opportunities, he didn't get the shot, then he has to fight me to get another shot at it and go fight Usyk. Look, he isn't having the smoothest ride of it.
"Credit to him, he's not crying about it, he's not making a big deal, he's got his head down and just wants to keep fighting.
"When I take a second to look at it, I've said a few weeks ago, when Parker won his world title, or he was a world champion, I hadn't even started professional boxing yet.
"I was still doing the white-collar circuit, I wasn't a professional boxer. I'd only been boxing a few years. It's a funny one.
"To watch that, watch him go. I remember sitting in the pub watching the AJ fight, which he lost and however many years later, we're now fighting."
Tony Curtis Jr vs Lakshmy Zaragoza Contreras
Saturday 25 October 2025 17:48 , George FloodA lovely tribute to the late Ricky Hatton from London’s 11-1 Tony Curtis ‘Lightning’ Jr, who is stepping up with a six-round contest now against Lakshmy Zaragoza Contreras of Mexico.
He’s wearing those familiar sky blue and white shorts with ‘The Hitman’ emblazoned across the top.
Zayn Ahmed beats Engel Gomez on professional debut
Saturday 25 October 2025 17:41 , George FloodReally liked the look of Zayn ‘The Hurricane’ Ahmed there - fast feet, fast hands, seemingly good speed of thought and a number of shots in the locker.
He drilled well to the body and also snapped Gomez’s head back with some crisp straight shots upstairs.
Ahmed unloaded on Gomez in the final seconds to try and secure a last-gasp debut knockout, his hands an absolute blur as he let everything fly with some furious flurries in the corner.
He actually ended up on the canvas himself though as Gomez desperately tried to fight back, but it looked like a slip.
It goes the distance and Ahmed moves to 1-0, but only by a 38-37 margin scored by referee Mark Bates.
Zayn Ahmed vs Engel Gomez
Saturday 25 October 2025 17:30 , George FloodA good crowd in early doors at the O2 Arena to watch professional debutant Zayn Ahmed, who certainly seems to have shifted some tickets.
He’s looking fast and slick in there against journeyman Gomez, halfway through this four-rounder.
Appears to have good variety and shot selection.
Moses Itauma at ringside
Saturday 25 October 2025 17:24 , George FloodQueensberry’s heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma will be an interested spectator in tonight’s main event.
The likes of Adam Azim and Hamzah Sheeraz are also at ringside at the O2 Arena.
Moses Itauma’s checked in to The O2 📍#ParkerWardley | Tonight | The O2, London | Watch LIVE on @daznboxing PPV pic.twitter.com/bqV92vpVw4
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) October 25, 2025
George Crotty wins before Zayn Ahmed debut
Saturday 25 October 2025 17:21 , George FloodAnother win notched up by Royston’s ‘Gorgeous’ George Crotty, who easily outpoints Bahadur Karami to move to 4-0 in the professional ranks.
Slough’s standout amateur Zayn Ahmed makes his professional debut now in a four-round clash with Engel Gomez of Nicaragua.
A lot of excitement around this young man.
Wardley vows to 'rise to challenge' in biggest fight of his life
Saturday 25 October 2025 17:07 , George FloodFrom watching Joseph Parker in world title fights on TV to standing across from him in the ring, Fabio Wardley is under no illusions as to the size of the task ahead tonight.
"Massive night coming up on Saturday, massive for the pair of us on this table and massive for me at this stage of my career," he admitted this week.
"It obviously is the biggest fight of my career and biggest fight of my life.
"So far so good for me, every time I step up, I rise to the occasion and rise to the challenge.
“Certainly it will be no different."
Esson and Wood win to open early undercard
Saturday 25 October 2025 16:55 , George FloodWe already have two very early fights in the books at the O2 Arena.
Unbeaten Gloucestershire southpaw Anton Esson has moved to 5-0 with a 39-37 points win over 15-59 journeyman Jordan Ellison.
Kent prospect Jimmy Dean Wood, meanwhile, has just breezed past Estonia’s Artjom Spatar, 42-36, to go to 4-0.
Parker: I am on a different level to Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 16:46 , George FloodJoseph Parker tipped the scales at the second-heaviest weight of his career so far on Friday as he clocked in at 18st 10lbs for tonight’s main event.
That was 20lbs heavier than Fabio Wardley, who came in at 17st 5lbs at Old Spitalfields Market in east London as he donned his familiar Ipswich shirt.
Asked at Thursday’s final press conference what level he believes Wardley is at, former WBO heavyweight champion Parker said: “You will see.
"You will see on Saturday night. I don't really want to explain it in words, I want to explain with actions.
"For me this is all or nothing. I am not thinking about losing this one. I want to win and move onto the next fight.
"I respect my opponent and what he has done in his career and how he has prepared for this fight, but I am a different level to be honest.
"I'll show that on Saturday."
He added: “I'm only getting into my prime now.
"Credit to Wardley for taking this fight, but it's the wrong time because I'm going to smash him."
Wardley exclusive: 'I'll knock out Parker and then go after Usyk'
Saturday 25 October 2025 16:38 , George FloodPyrotechnics are launched into the darkness of the Cardiff sky as Anthony Joshua milks every second of a four-minute ring walk, writes Matt Verri.
It is March 2018 and heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker is waiting in the ring on the biggest night of his life.
There are 78,000 people in the stands for this undisputed showdown.
As Michael Buffer announces, there are also millions watching around the world.
One of those, 240 miles away at The Plough in Ipswich, is Fabio Wardley.
“I was sitting in a pub with my mates watching his fight against AJ,” Wardley tells Standard Sport.
“That was the first time I’d seen Parker. He was a world champion ten years ago.
“I was a couple of fights into a white-collar career. It’s a funny one if I look at those things side by side, where I was and where he was.
“Now is not the time for reflection. After the job is done we can look back on what a crazy ride it’s been.”
Click here to read our exclusive interview with Fabio Wardley in full
Parker vs Wardley prediction
Saturday 25 October 2025 16:31 , George FloodHere is our prediction for tonight’s main event, courtesy of Standard Sport’s Arthur Ferridge...
Joseph Parker comes into this fight with an awful lot to lose.
He has taken a big risk by agreeing to face Wardley, and could face a massive career setback should he suffer defeat.
But as far as he is concerned, that is not an option.
Parker will have been a keen viewer of Fabio Wardley’s most recent bout against Justis Huni, where he was beyond lucky to escape with a win.
Parker will be all too aware of Wardley’s weaknesses and his own status as an interim champion.
He should have no issue retaining his belt.
Parker to win by late stoppage.
Parker vs Wardley undercard
Saturday 25 October 2025 16:28 , George FloodHere is tonight’s main undercard at the O2 Arena...
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley (WBO interim heavyweight title, heavyweight, 12 rounds)
Steed Woodall vs Ezra Taylor (British light-heavyweight title, 12 rounds)
Juergen Uldedaj vs Rolly Lambert Fogoum (Cruiserweight, 12 rounds)
Danny Quartermaine vs Royston Barney-Smith (Super-featherweight, 10 rounds)
Mitchell Smith vs Arnie Dawson (Lightweight, 10 rounds)
How to watch Parker vs Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 16:26 , George FloodTV channel and live stream: Parker vs Wardley will be broadcast exclusively live in the UK on DAZN pay-per-view.
A pay-per-view pass costs £24.99, and comes with seven days of free access to DAZN.
The pay-per-view pass is available for free with an annual subscription, worth £14.99 per month.
Parker vs Wardley live
Saturday 25 October 2025 16:23 , George FloodA shot at Oleksandr Usyk and undisputed heavyweight glory is on the line tonight as Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley clash in a massive main event at London’s O2 Arena.
The respective holders of the interim WBO and WBA belts in boxing’s glamour division compete to decide who is next in line for Usyk, who has been recovering from a back injury after becoming undisputed again by dominating Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July.
The early undercard action is already getting underway, with the main event expected at around 10pm BST.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the evening!
