Tyson Fury has sent support to his friend Joseph Parker, while suggesting Fabio Wardley has the power to go on and knock out Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker and Wardley met in a huge clash at London’s O2 arena to decide the next challenger to Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight crown.
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Wardley scored a sensational victory over Parker to hijack his clash with UsykCredit: Getty
But it was the latter who ended the contest in the eleventh round with a stunning stoppage of the favourite, who took a risk and it backfired as he lost his WBO interim title.
It was heartache for the New Zealander who has waited patiently for a shot at the Ukrainian, but has fallen short in a bid to stay active.
Many suggested the stoppage was ultimately controversial, with referee Howard Foster stepping in ‘too early’ according to some, a view which Parker echoed.
Fury has paid tribute to Parker’s efforts and ultimately believes it was a type of moment that can happen in the blue-riband division.
He said on social media: “The fight was amazing, both fighters had a lot of success and I had Joe about four rounds up going into round 11.
“It’s heavyweight boxing, you can’t go swimming without getting wet and its a cliche, he got wet, the referee jumped in after a few unanswered shots and that’s all it takes.
“It’s one of those things; it’s heavyweight boxing, you can get caught and I know all about getting caught.
“Joseph Parker is going to come back stronger, I know that. Commiserations to my brother and all the team, everyone did a fantastic job.”
Tyson Fury’s verdict on Fabio Wardley vs Oleksandr Usyk
With victory, Wardley is now almost certain to take on Usyk in spring of next year.
Fury has experience first hand of how difficult it is to beat the Ukrainian, having fallen to defeat twice last year including in their December 2024 rematch.
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Fury who himself wants a trilogy with Usyk, believes Wardley has a chance to become the first to beat his rivalCredit: Getty
But he believes the Ipswich native does have the dynamite punch power that is required to become the first fighter to beat the champion.
He said: “Usyk is a special talent. He’s a good boxer but Fabio is a dangerous puncher, I’m sure if he hits anybody he’ll knock them out.
“He’s very strong and carries his power for a long time so he did really well against Parker.
“Everyone was saying before this Parker fight that Wardley has had no amateur experience, it means s**t amateur experience.
“George Foreman had 11 amateur fights and won the gold medal, it doesn’t mean anything.
“You’re a big strong man, a big game man, so congratulations to him and his team.”
Wardley is likely to have a huge opportunity in 2026 to inflict one of the biggest upsets in recent years.
Usyk has been invincible as a pro, and the likes of Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois have all tried and failed at stopping the rampant southpaw.