British heavyweight Fabio Wardley pulled off the biggest win of his career with an enormous upset over Joseph Parker to set up a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk.
In a pulsating contest at the O2 Arena, Wardley showed he has one of the toughest chins in the sport as he swallowed several huge punches from Parker before forcing referee Howard Foster to stop the bout in an explosive 11th round.
The WBO had ordered the experienced Parker to face undisputed world heavyweight champion Usyk in July but the New Zealander put his mandatory challenger status on the line against Wardley, who was still involved in white-collar boxing when his opponent was world champion in 2016.
Parker promised to be a "different level" to the 30-year-old and that appeared the case for much of the bout in London.
Wardley seemed to have missed out on the chance to stop the bout in a back-and-forth second round and it appeared a sliding doors moment for the Ipswich right-hander.
Yet, after Parker could not get his rival out, Wardley roared back with a huge right to wobble the New Zealand in the 11th and a flurry of further punches forced a dramatic stoppage to continue his fairytale story in the sport.
Relive all the action and results from Parker vs Wardley and the undercard, below.
Parker vs Wardley live
- Fabio Wardley forces stunning knockout of Joseph Parker to win WBO interim heavyweight title
- Wardley's 11th round stoppage sets up undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk
- REPORT: How a new Wardley stunned Parker to set up a once unbelievable fight with Usyk
- Chisora and Whyte set for trilogy in December
- Unbeaten Taylor bludgeons Woodall to underline credentials at light heavyweight
- Barney-Smith dazzles to claim European titles
Joseph Parker extends outstanding resume despite Fabio Wardley defeat
02:27 , Jack RathbornJoseph Parker has faced some of the very best heavyweights of his era, it feels cruel to deny him another crack at the world title, but his resume is outstanding all the same:
- Anthony Joshua
- Deontay Wilder
- Andy Ruiz
- Dillian Whyte
- Zhilei Zhang
- Derek Chisora
- Martin Bakole
- Joe Joyce
- Fabio Wardley
Frank Warren confirms heavyweight equation for Fabio Wardley
01:54 , Jack RathbornMore from Frank Warren after the fight: "It was an all-time great heavyweight fight, we always knew it would be.
“It only takes one second to be beaten, he turned the fight around. It is Usyk, if he doesn't do it, he'll be stripped. That's it, it's where we are.”
Frank Warren confirms Fabio Wardley's next fight: Oleksandr Usyk
01:18 , Jack Rathborn“His next fight, Fabio Wardley, will be for the four belts,” Frank Warren maintains.
“Not one belt, four belts.”
That’s pretty clear, then?
The moment Fabio Wardley became WBO interim heavyweight world champion
Sunday 26 October 2025 00:45 , Jack Tanner
Parker vs Wardley: The Independent's account from ringside as Wardley earns shot at Usyk
Sunday 26 October 2025 00:11 , Jack TannerFabio Wardley showed a new side to his game as he overcame Joseph Parker to take over the mantle as number one contender in the heavyweight division, reports Sports Editor Jack Rathborn from ringside at the O2 Arena.
How the new side of Wardley produced stunning knockout to set up Usyk fight
Frank Warren on fight plans for Wardley's next bout
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:53 , Jack TannerFrank Warren asked what the plan is for Wardley.
“It’s really simple. Oleksandr is a great champion, he said he wants to fight. He won’t vacate the belt. His next fight with Fabio Wardley will be for all the belts.
“It’s what (Wardley) deserves. We’re all proud of him.”
Fabio Wardley: Chin made up for lack of experience
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:51 , Jack TannerWardley asked how he survived some of those Parker shots.
He explains: “What I lack in experience I make up for in chin, heart, determination, and will.”
Fabio Wardley: I've proved I'm at the top
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:49 , Jack TannerWardley continues: “Look, I said all the way through this build up, all the way before this fight was made, when we picked Joseph Parker, I believed I was at the top - I proved I’m at the top.”
Fabio Wardley instantly calls out Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:48 , Jack TannerAlready Fabio Wardley’s mind switches to his next opponent.
He tells DAZN: “I have one thing to say - Uuuuuusyk. Uuuuuusyk.”
Parker vs Wardley: Wardley's technical knockout win confirmed
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:47 , Jack Tanner“AND NEW”
Thomas Treiber makes it official - Fabio Wardley remains undefeated, and is now the WBO interim heavyweight champion of the world.
More importantly, he’s the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed title.
Parker vs Wardley: Parker was up on the cards at the time of stoppage
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:45 , Jack TannerJoseph Parker was up 98-92 and 96-94 on two judges’ scorecards - with the other level at 95-95.
Fabio Wardley needed that stoppage, and once again, he has found it.
WARDLEY KNOCKOUT ROUND 11
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:42 , Jack TannerFABIO WARDLEY HAS STOPPED JOSEPH PARKER IN ROUND 11
Quite literally smelling blood, Wardley throws punch after punch - and Parker has no response. Eventually the referee has to step in.
What a win for Wardley - his meteoric rise continues!
Parker vs Wardley round 11: Parker cut
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:40 , Jack TannerRound 11
Parker paws at his left eye, where a cut has opened up. Two minutes remain in this round.
Parker saved by the bell after late rally from Wardley in the 10th
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:39 , Jack Rathborn at The O2A powerful one-two from Parker is then backed up by a chopping right in the 10th. A furious onslaught develops, but Wardley then catches his rival.
The crowd goes berserk, more people are out of their seats here. The Briton senses the upset and pours on the pressure and Parker is staggered.
The champions desperately swerves the shots and the bell saves him. What a fight!
Parker vs Wardley round 10: Championship rounds entered
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:39 , Jack TannerRound 10
Again the fight finds new life in the final minute of a round.
Wardley takes shot after shot, but escapes from the corner with 30 to go. Clearly hurt, he goes back to what he knows best - throwing as much as he can.
He catches Parker, sparking his own assault that can only be ended by the bell.
How on earth both men made their corners by their own steam is beyond this mere journalist.
Parker vs Wardley round nine: Brief calm before the storm returns
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:35 , Jack TannerRound 9
Just as you thought the fight was entering a lull, the action sparks back to life.
Parker starts a combination ahead of the final minute of the ninth, and has Wardley bouncing on the ropes.
However, the Brit survives, and ends the round with a big body shot on Parker.
Wardley v Parker in the balance through eight rounds
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:31 , Jack Rathborn at The O2Parker is 262.6lbs, officially, yet he’s still able to deliver three consecutive jabs with immense speed at the start of the eighth. Wardley’s agility, too, is showcasing the high level on display, swerving the second and evading a third with his feet.
You can almost feel the shots from ringside, Wardley now bouncing between breaks and crouching as he launches a fresh assault.
This one is in the balance according to everyone I’ve spoken to ringside.
Parker vs Wardley round eight: Improved round for Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:30 , Jack TannerRound 8
Just as it appeared Parker was getting into the grove, setting the tone and pace of the contest, Wardley rediscovers the jab.
He’s controlled the centre of the ring in the eighth.
Parker vs Wardley round seven: Half-way mark crossed in heavyweight clash
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:28 , Jack TannerRound 7
The first six rounds have taken its toll on both men, but neither is backing down.
Wardley rolled well with a big Parker right, minimising the damage, but you get the feeling the challenger would love to get back to trading big shots with the champion.
Parker vs Wardley round six: Parker in control
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:23 , Jack TannerRound 6
Parker feeling out Wardley with the left before landing big rights in round six.
Wardley attempts a combination of his own, and even lands a nice right uppercut, but right now Parker will be the happier of the two fighters.
Parker vs Wardley round five: Parker picks off Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:20 , Jack TannerRound 5
After being outboxed back in June by Justis Huni, Wardley has done well to keep Parker at bay from a scoring perspective.
However, that fifth round was far more controlled from Parker, with Wardley unable to drag his opponent into another shootout.
Wardley shows new side against Parker in captivating heavyweight fight
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:20 , Jack Rathborn at The O2Both men are exhausted and leaning on their jabs to expose their opponent. They’re dripping in sweat and using their skills to find the solutions before trading when one commits to a combination, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
Parker just winked as he returned to his corner, this is gruelling stuff, but what a contest so far.
Wardley showing a more versatile, rounded version of himself and holding his own.
Parker vs Wardley: Action shots from the first four rounds
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:18 , Jack Tanner
Parker vs Wardley round four: Shots still flying
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:16 , Jack TannerRound 4
The pace of this fight has not varied too much. Just when Parker starts to turn the screw, Wardley roars back with punches of his own.
Neither fighter shying away from the challenge in front of them.
Parker vs Wardley round three: Heavy blows landed
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:12 , Jack TannerRound 3
This is heavyweight boxing at its best so far.
Wardley throws a right that grazes Parker’s chin; any higher and we might have seen the Kiwi on the floor.
Neither fighter is having it their own way - but Parker is not being allowed to outbox Wardley, who has learned his lesson from his near-defeat to Justis Huni.
Wardley playing dangerous game with Parker through three rounds
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:11 , Jack Rathborn at The O2This is a gripping contest through three rounds, Wardley is swerving and slipping shots beautifully.
But the margins are so small, the sweat is spraying off both men’s gloves.
Parker is not afraid to load up, despite his smart boxing skills and tidy jab. The champion is up 2-1 on my scorecard.
Parker vs Wardley round two: Briton unloads barrage of heavy shots on rival
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:07 , Jack RathbornQuite brilliant! Wardley invited into a fire fight and boy does he accept, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
The Briton unleashes a pair of uppercuts and Parker looks shocked, the crowd rise in anticipation, the Kiwi is desperately searching to fix his feet, a messy conclusion to the second round and real hope for Wardley there.
Parker vs Wardley round two: Both fighters hurt
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:06 , Jack TannerRound 2
Parker picks up where he left off in the first, hurting his opponent.
But just as the Kiwi looks to connect with a few more, Wardley lands - and momentum completely shifts.
Parker has to survive the final minute.
We have a fight on our hands.
Parker vs Wardley round one: Late flurry secures opener for Kiwi
Saturday 25 October 2025 23:02 , Jack TannerRound 1
Fabio Wardley already bleeding around his nose - a problem area for the Brit.
Parker lands multiple combos in the final minute - before a final flurry right on the bell shocks Wardley.
Round one Parker.
Parker vs Wardley: Round one moments away
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:59 , Jack TannerHere we go!
It’s been a long wait, but it’s time to find out if Parker’s speed and skill will beat out Wardley’s raw power.
Parker vs Wardley: Fighters in the ring, raring to go
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:57 , Jack Tanner
Parker vs Wardley: Challenger Wardley makes his approach
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:54 , Jack TannerAlthough the holder of the WBA interim heavyweight title, Wardley is introduced as just the challenger.
Wardley turns to boxing royalty for his ring walk song - the 2004 effort Can’t Be Touched by Roy Jones Jr, who is in attendance after leading his fighter Tony Curtis to victory on the undercard.
Parker vs Wardley: Joseph Parker introduced to the crowd
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:52 , Jack TannerMC Thomas Treiber is in the centre of the ring, meaning we're getting closer and closer.
Joseph Parker walks to the ring first, despite being billed as the defending champion of his WBO interim heavyweight belt.
The Kiwi comes out to Not Many by Scribe ft. Savage & Con Psy.
Tyson Fury was waiting in the bowels of the O2 with Parker, but he has taken a pew ringside rather than take the limelight off his good friend.
Parker walks to the ring before Wardley heavyweight clash
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:51 , Jack Rathborn at The O2Here we go, a peculiar move from Parker, the champion to walk first, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
In white and yellow with gold trim, Parker looks confident and rightly so after his recent run, he’s a big favourite with the bookies too.
Parker vs Wardley: Main event moments away
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:49 , Jack TannerJoseph Parker is ready to make his ring walk - with Tyson Fury in tow.
The main event is finally here!
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Uldedaj wins the IBO world title
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:42 , Jack TannerThe judges in clear agreement - Juergen Uldedaj did more than enough to claim the IBO cruiserweight world championship.
The scores read 120-108, 118-110, 119-109 - a unanimous decision win for Uldedaj over Lambert.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Crowd put out of their misery as undercard ends
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:37 , Jack TannerRound 12
The O2 Arena should be buzzing with excitement with the main event up next, but instead it is non-stop whistling and jeering.
Uldedaj will be a clear winner, but it is hard to pick a bigger loser - those watching, or Lambert, who produced an ineffective gameplan.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Forgettable cruiserweight contest almost over
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:33 , Jack TannerRound 11
Uldedaj and Lambert have produced probably the poorest fight of the card, entertainment-wise.
Lambert might be able to claim that round, but unless we get a stoppage in the final three minutes, this bout will quickly fade out of memory.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Uldedaj plodding towards victory
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:30 , Jack TannerRound 10
Uldedaj’s face shows he has been in a fight, with bruising showing up around his eyes. But this has not been pretty viewing, with Lambert happy to sit back and allow Uldedaj to take this fight without challenge.
Derek Chisora reveals date for trilogy heavyweight fight with rival Dillian Whyte
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:25 , Jack RathbornDerek Chisora and Dillian Whyte are set for a trilogy heavyweight fight in December after both fighters expressed their desire to meet once more after appearing at Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley.
The British heavyweights combined for two brutal fights in 2016 and 2018, with Whyte prevailing by split decision and an 11th-round stoppage.
But Chisora, aged 41 and now 36-13, has rallied late in his career to pull off a three-fight win streak after disposing of Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin.
Chisora reveals date for trilogy heavyweight fight with rival Whyte
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Lambert gives it a go
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:24 , Jack TannerRound 9
Finally Lambert has opened up with his punches, but it has done very little to turn the tide.
Uldedaj caught in between two minds whether he should press the issue, or see out the remaining three rounds for what should be a comfortable points victory.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Lambert still listless
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:21 , Jack TannerRound 8
Lambert is still failing to push the issue with time running out. Uldedaj may be missing here and there, but he is still outlanding his opponent considerably.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: More of the same from quiet cruiserweights
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:17 , Jack TannerRound 7
Uldedaj sees no reason to change tack against a fighter offering as little as Lambert.
Neither fighter are looking for too many combinations, leading to a stand-off rather than a boxing match.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Signs of life from Lambert
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:12 , Jack TannerRound 6
Lambert comes out at the start of the sixth looking more active with the straight shots, but it’s not improving his chances too much - not the spectacle of this contest.
Uldedaj still picking his shots, punching down, and looking calm.
Parker vs Wardley: O2 Arena jeering poor showing
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:07 , Jack TannerRound 5
This cruiserweight contest has yet to catch light, and sections of the O2 are not impressed.
That has encouraged both Uldedaj and Lambert to throw some bigger shots - the former still looking the stronger fighter.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Uldedaj happy for status quo to keep ticking
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:05 , Jack TannerRound 4
Uldedaj is not overcomplicating things, simply going about his work knowing that he is currently out-throwing the tamer Lambert.
Parker vs Wardley: Lambert too passive
Saturday 25 October 2025 22:02 , Jack TannerRound 3
Uldedaj has grown into this contest, but hasn't had to do too much to look more impressive than Lambert.
Lambert still scouting out his opponent, but letting the rounds slip by.
Wardley vs Parker undercard: Uldedaj growing in confidence
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:57 , Jack TannerRound 2
What was a cagey first round becomes a more confident display for Uldedaj, although his decision to keep switching stances halts his fluency.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Uldedaj well supported
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:51 , Jack TannerRound 1
German-Albanian Uldedaj is drawing the first proper chants of the evenings, with plenty of support in attendance.
The cruiserweight looks sharper of the two fighters, but it is a cagey round one.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Last support bout up next
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:46 , Jack TannerWell, after that eventful diversion which may or may not have confirmed Chisora-Whyte III, we are back to the boxing.
Cruiserweights Juergen Uldedaj and Rolly Lambert Fogoum are set to do battle for the IBO world title - a minor belt at 200lbs.
Parker vs Wardley: Whyte keen for Chisora trilogy
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:43 , Jack TannerDillian Whyte, who beat Chisora in 2016 and 2018, is keen for a third meeting.
He tells DAZN: “Derek called me and said ‘Do you wanna to fight?’
“I said ‘let’s go’. I don’t run from any fight, I take any fighter regardless, I show up and give my all. I love fighting and enjoy fighting. I want to do it when I’m young, give the fans the fights they want.”
Chisora is brought back in. “Why not? I want the fight. But the paperwork has to be right. The business side of it has to be right. Then I can guarantee you that the fight will be amazing. Dillian has two over me.
“The first one I won - Eddie Hearn gave it to him. The second one he knocked me out. That was a good left hook that he hit me with. The fight will happen with Dillian in December. It’s going to be an explosive fight.”
Parker vs Wardley: More heavyweights now on stage
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:39 , Jack TannerDerek Chisora and Dillian Whyte are now brought to the stage.
Chisora is slated to headline in Manchester on Saturday, December 13. Asked if there is a chance of a trilogy, Chisora replies: “If the contract is right, yeah. But right now it is not.”
Rumoured opponent for Chisora on that show, Jarrell Miller, now makes an appearance before Whyte has the chance to speak - and appears to confirm the bout.
Miller shares: “I love Chisora, so I respect his decision. This is boxing, disappointment happens. More power to these guys (Chisora and Whyte) - I wish them well December 13.”
Parker vs Wardley: Heavyweights lined up
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:32 , Jack TannerFabio Wardley and Joseph Parker are the heavyweight stars everyone is here to see - but plenty of the division’s other stars are in attendance.
DAZN have lined them all up and put them in front of the camera - David Adeleye, Lawrence Okolie, Moses Itauma, Agit Kabayel, and Daniel Dubois.
Perhaps hoping to stir the pot, Dubois is asked if he would face WBC interim champion Kabayel.
“I’m fit and ready to go. I’m ready to take Kabayel. I’m ready for him. I’m ready to get back to the top.”
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Towel comes in for Woodall
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:23 , Jack TannerIt was coming, and eventually Woodall’s spirited attempts to persist come to a stop.
Taylor stun locks his opponent, throwing head shot after head shot. The towel comes in, and we have our first stoppage of the main card.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Woodall in danger
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:20 , Jack TannerWoodall’s corner debating whether to throw in the towel throughout the eighth.
The stand-in fighter has kept the referee from intervening by throwing back - so far.
Ahead of the ninth, Taylor’s corner is plotting a way to end this fight sooner rather than later.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Woodall taking heavy blows but still standing
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:14 , Jack TannerWoodall won’t be winning this one, but he is gaining a lot of credit for withstanding the punishment dished out by Taylor.
He’s still attempting to fire back, but Taylor appears largely unbothered by whatever Woodall is throwing at him.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Taylor listens to corner's advice
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:10 , Jack TannerTaylor landed far more combinations in the sixth, showing a heightened hand speed.
Already wobbled from one assault, Taylor lands another uppercut on the chin of Woodall midway through the round.
In the last minute a cut opens up on the corner of Woodall’s left eye, producing quite a bit of blood.
Taylor appears to have a similar cut in the same position.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Taylor told to pick up the pace
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:07 , Jack TannerFive rounds in and Taylor will be happy - but his corner still wants more.
Even after landing some upper cuts on Woodall, his trainer Malik Scott wants to see more aggression in the second half of the fight.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Taylor maintains course
Saturday 25 October 2025 21:02 , Jack TannerTo his credit, Woodall is finding some joy with a looping right hook over Taylor’s jab, but it is doing little to change the tide of this fight.
Four rounds down and Taylor must be confident he has impressed the judges in each one.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Woodall starting to show damage on his face
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:58 , Jack TannerWoodall is starting to pick up some swelling from these Taylor blows.
A super middleweight by trade, Woodall is struggling with Taylor’s jab, especially when it is thrown back-to-back.
Heavyweight royalty ringside for Parker vs Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:56 , Jack Rathborn at The O2The front row at ringside comprises of Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, plus former cruiserweight world champion and heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
A lot of interested parties here, even if Fury has remained adamant he is not coming out of retirement for Anthony Joshua or anybody else.
Okolie, ranked fourth, and Dubois, ranked fifth, in the WBO rankings, have a path to fight the winner of tonight’s main event.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Taylor on top in round two
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:55 , Jack TannerThe heavy favourite, Taylor looks comfortable. He knows he has the reach advantage, with Woodall looking to get inside and close the range where possible.
However, that is easier said than done, with Taylor looking powerful when he lands clean.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Taylor doing well behind the jab
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:49 , Jack TannerThere’s a nice snap to Taylor’s jab in the first round, who has controlled the opening three minutes.
If Woodall didn't know what he signed up for at the last-minute, he does now.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Light heavyweight action up next
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:46 , Jack TannerEzra Taylor was due to take on domestic rival Lewie Edmondson, only for his opponent to drop out injured earlier this week.
Steed Woodall has stepped in at the last minute to give us this light heavyweight contest.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Barney-Smith takes a wide, wide decision
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:34 , Jack TannerThe judges score it 98-90, 100-88, 100-88 in favour of Barney-Smith - a very wide unanimous decision for the 21-year-old.
With a point off for Quartermaine in the seventh and a knockdown in the 10th, Barney-Smith’s dominance is even more exaggerated on the scorecards.
Barney-Smith takes the IBF and WBO European super featherweight titles off Quartermaine.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Quartermaine dropped
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:32 , Jack TannerBarney-Smith has cemented his class with a last round knockdown of Quartermaine.
Not just content with dropping his opponent to the canvas, Barney-Smith lands another big blow right on the bell.
It would not be a shock if the judges give every round to the Southampton-based fighter.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Barney-Smith celebrates in rival's corner
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:32 , Jack Rathborn at The O2Barney-Smith almost stops Quartermaine right at the end there, a chopping, menacing shot, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
The frustration finally boils over, he storms towards his rival’s corner and spits his gumguard out in their direction, screaming in delight.
He needed to be disciplined there, Quartermaine connected with his head on multiple occasions.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Quartermaine just looking to survive last rounds
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:28 , Jack TannerThe ninth round is in the books as Barney-Smith looks set to pick up his 15th win as a pro.
Quartermaine’s face is puffed up, and his output has dropped completely. Barney-Smith needs to avoid being knocked out, and he will be the new owner of the IBF and WBO European titles at super featherweight.
Chelsea's Delap arrives for Parker vs Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:26 , Jack Rathborn at The O2Liam Delap is also here, the Chelsea forward is on the verge of a return from injury.
And after the Blues’ home defeat to Sunderland, Delap will fancy a runout at Wolves in the Carabao Cup midweek.
Delap is sitting just behind Daniel Dubois, adding to the heavyweight royalty ringside, eager to take in this colossal fight later.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Moses Itauma impressed by Barney-Smith
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:25 , Jack TannerBen Davison-trained Barney-Smith has looked flawless in the eight rounds of his contest with Quartermaine.
Stablemate Moses Itauma is in attendance, and has just sung the praises of his fellow fighter to DAZN.
Itauma shares: “I mean the first couple of rounds I thought he was going to knock the guy out, but now he is playing with him.”
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Quartermaine sees point deducted in round seven
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:20 , Jack TannerIt goes from bad to worse for Quartermaine, as his roughhousing tactics have backfired.
Deducted a point, Quartermaine will be lucky to have taken anything from the first seven rounds.
Wardley vs Parker: Another big heavyweight pictured ringside
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:20 , Jack TannerFormer IBF world champion Daniel Dubois is in the house, alongside members of his family.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Barney-Smith well on his way to victory
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:15 , Jack TannerRoughing up Barney-Smith isn’t working for Quartermaine, and as another round slips away, he must know he needs a stoppage - or plenty of knockdowns - in the remaining four rounds.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Quartermaine warned for 'dirty' tactics
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:12 , Jack TannerQuartermaine is running out of ideas here, and is resorting to using anything but his fists to level the playing field in round five.
Referee Marcus McDonnell isn’t having it. He takes Quartermaine to the corner, and tells him: "You're using your shoulder - stop being dirty. I’m not an idiot.”
Tyson Fury admiring Royston Barney-Smith's work in European super featherweight contest
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:07 , Jack Rathborn at The O2Some lovely work from Barney-Smith as we go through four rounds here, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
Slick work ‘Sugar Boy Roy’, whose straight left is snappy and finding a home on Quartermaine. Barney-Smith’s corner are furious about the head coming in from the champion.
Tyson Fury has been applauding Barney-Smith’s work, but Frank Warren is urging on his fighter to deliver an uppercut or two as Quartermaine storms in.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Barney-Smith in total control
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:06 , Jack TannerAlready outboxing his opponent, Barney-Smith now knows he can hurt Quartermaine.
Billed as a proper test of Barney-Smith’s credentials, the Poole-born fighter is currently passing with flying colours after four rounds.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: More of the same in round three
Saturday 25 October 2025 20:02 , Jack TannerQuartermaine still being made to miss by Barney-Smith in round three.
The older fighter is trying to tie up the quicker man, but currently Barney-Smith will feel like he is three rounds up.
A big left cross at the end has Quartermaine rushing back to his stool.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Referee warns fighters about using the head
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:58 , Jack TannerThe second round was briefly paused as both fighters warned for leaning in with their heads.
Quartermaine will recall his draw with Jack Bateson last year, a decision made on doctor’s orders after a head clash left both fighters cut.
Barney-Smith is currently a more pressing concern for Quartermaine, who is struggling with his opponent’s movement.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Barney-Smith looking sharp in round one
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:57 , Jack TannerQuartermaine is already struggling to keep tabs on Barney-Smith’s speed.
The 21-year-old darts in, does his work, before scootering away. First round for Barney-Smith is the consensus.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Tyson Fury poses for pictures
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:55 , Jack Tanner
Tyson Fury arrives at Parker v Wardley
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:52 , Jack RathbornTyson Fury has just arrived, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
The Gypsy King is in deep conversation with Frank Warren ringside as this Barney-Smith v Quartermaine contest gets underway.
A white suit with a shirt unbuttoned down below his chest, Fury looks relaxed.
A good friend of Joseph Parker, Fury will surely cheer on the Kiwi, despite his compatriot on the brink of glory and an opportunity to take on Usyk, who is 2-0 against Fury, of course.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: All-British bout up next
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:43 , Jack TannerTwo unbeaten domestic rivals are set to go head-to-head next for the IBF and WBO European super featherweight titles.
Danny Quartermaine (13-1, 4 KOs) takes on Royston Barney-Smith (14-0, 7 KOs) in our second fight of the main card.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith victorious and roars in delight at points win
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:35 , Jack Rathborn at The O2That was a gripping contest, Smith’s knockdown looked like it could be decisive, but he didn’t need to worry or lean on that, writes Jack Rathborn from ringside.
The scorecards give it to him clearly! 96-93 and then two wide ones, both 98-91!
Smith sprinted towards the corner and you could see him bouncing up after 10 energy-sapping rounds, perhaps indicative of who should be the winner, the arm came up in the final seconds too.
A huge win for the veteran, who moves to 19-1, Dawson slinks away, a gracious clap of the gloves to his foe.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith declared winner by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:35 , Jack TannerThe judges have it 96-93, 98-91, 98-91 - leaving Mitchell Smith as winner by unanimous decision.
Smith drops to his knees in celebration, before being presented with the WBO European lightweight belt.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Fiery Smith v Dawson fight goes the distance
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:33 , Jack Rathborn
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith celebrates at the end of the 10th
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:32 , Jack TannerWell, Smith certainly feels he’s won this one. Even before the bell goes, he has his arm raised, and as soon as he hears it, he’s at full sprint.
“AND THE NEW” he bellows into a nearby camera. To the judges’ scorecards we go...
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith takes round nine
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:28 , Jack TannerThe penultimate round surely belongs to Smith, who has maintained the pace he found again in round seven.
Dawson, who has boxed well throughout but quietened when met by Smith’s aggression, may have to find something special in the final three minutes.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith staying strong towards backend
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:24 , Jack TannerIf Dawson’s plan relied upon Smith fading late on, he might need to find a different route to victory.
Smith has stepped it up in round eight, with Dawson struggling to land cleanly without getting hit properly himself.
At the end of the round, Smith tells his corner: “I’m winning this one, aren’t I?”
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith goes close-range in round seven
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:20 , Jack TannerSmith looks to counteract Dawson’s reach advantage by getting into the pocket.
Both fighters working with the mentality that this will be close on the cards, even after the first-round knockdown for Dawson.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Round six the best so far for Dawson
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:16 , Jack TannerDawson now using his long levers to work the body of Smith throughout round six.
As we approach the end of these three minutes, Dawson starts landing hooks and crosses to the head.
Smith will be grateful for the bell as he slumps on his stool.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Dawson improved in round five
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:12 , Jack TannerDawson starting to use a bit more range, with a considerable height advantage.
But just as Dawson is starting to enjoy some success, he gets caught cleanly by Smith with 15 seconds remaining.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Both fighters letting their hands go in round four
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:07 , Jack TannerEvery time Dawson lands something of note, Smith replies with an equal, or even cleaner, effort.
This lightweight clash is doing a good job of setting the tone for the rest of the card.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith ends round three with a flurry
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:05 , Jack TannerDawson needs to be a little careful, with Smith confident he can hurt his opponent.
Perhaps the younger man hopes to see the fight into the later rounds, with both youth and more-recent experiences of going than distance compared to Smith.
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith with the bit between his teeth in second round
Saturday 25 October 2025 19:01 , Jack TannerThat first-round knockdown has certainly made Smith confident to let his hands go.
A little bit scrappy with the referee intervening a few times. As the round ends, Dawson gives a few words to his opponent, clearly unimpressed by something.
Parker vs Wardley main card under way
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:59 , Alex PattleOkay, over to Jack Tanner, who will keep you covered with live updates from tonight’s action, alongside our Sports Editor Jack Rathborn, who is ringside at the O2!
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith stuns Dawson with early knockdown
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:56 , Jack Rathborn at The O2 ArenaSo much mystery in this one, given Smith's long absence from the sport before his return last year, writes Jack Rathborn at ringside.
This is a big step-up though, 'King' Smith looks to be relishing this one, but Dawson is slick and moving nicely. But then BANG! A thudding knockdown, and Smith gives Dawson's corner a wink, games being played within the fight, and it's caught fire here.
Parker vs Wardley main card: Mitchell Smith takes on Arnie Dawson
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:55 , Jack TannerIt’s time for the main card already. Mitchell Smith is back in the ring after a remarkable comeback, with the lightweight formerly a highly-rated prospect.
He takes on Arnie Dawson - an unbeaten fighter 10 years younger.
Parker vs Wardley main card moments away!
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:54 , Alex PattleOkay, the main card is a matter of minutes away.
Don’t go anywhere, as we’ll have you covered with live, round-by-round fight updates from 7pm BST!
Interview: Can Wardley go from white-collar boxer to world champ?
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:46 , Alex PattleIt is a lot of responsibility to hold in one’s hands, being one of boxing’s most-lauded knockout artists. This is typed not from personal experience, of course, but in reference to Fabio Wardley, one of Britain’s pre-eminent heavyweights. It is also a lot of weight to carry: not just the weight of uncaring fists, but the weight of a “double-edged blade”.
Wardley, mercifully for the Ipswich boxer but mercilessly for his opponents, has fought exclusively on one side of that blade so far. Yet there have been times when he might have caught the glint of its reverse surface in his peripheral vision. For example, against Frazer Clarke in their first fight – a bloody, disconcerting draw– or against Justis Huni in June, when Wardley was trailing clearly after nine rounds.
But against Huni, Wardley was able to produce an inexplicable, neutralising shot out of nowhere in the 10th round, sending fans into raptures at Ipswich Town’s football stadium. And in his rematch with Clarke, Wardley left his British rival with a dent in his head and a haze in his eyes within a single round.
“It’s a bit of a double-edged blade, especially thinking back to the second Clarke fight,” Wardley tells The Independent, on a call with other reporters. “The praise I was getting is a funny one. Yes, it was me who threw the punch, but it goes to show that – at any minute – it could have been me on the end of that punch.”
Interview with Fabio Wardley:
Can Fabio Wardley go from white-collar boxer to heavyweight world champion?
Parker vs Wardley: Warren claims heavyweight division is 'on fire'
Saturday 25 October 2025 18:39 , Jack TannerFrank Warren is a happy man - he has many big names in the heavyweight division signed on to his Queensberry promotions.
He tells DAZN: “The four belts, the four governing bodies, each of our fighters are the mandatories. So if Mr Usyk keeps winning, he’s got to fight them all.
“A lot of them are here tonight. This heavyweight division is on fire. The home of the heavyweights - DAZN. That’s where it is all happening. There’s going to be some great fights. It’s going to be a great fight tonight, and even more great heavyweight fights coming up.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
