Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith with the bit between his teeth in second round
That 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.
Jack Tanner25 October 2025 19:01
Parker vs Wardley main card under way
Okay, 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!
Alex Pattle25 October 2025 18:59
Parker vs Wardley undercard: Smith stuns Dawson with early knockdown
So 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.
Jack Rathborn at The O2 Arena25 October 2025 18:56
Parker vs Wardley main card: Mitchell Smith takes on Arnie Dawson
It’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.
Jack Tanner25 October 2025 18:55
Parker vs Wardley main card moments away!
Okay, 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!
London’s O2 Arena is hosting tonight’s fights (Getty)
Alex Pattle25 October 2025 18:54
Interview: Can Wardley go from white-collar boxer to world champ?
It 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.
“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:
Alex Pattle25 October 2025 18:46
Parker vs Wardley: Warren claims heavyweight division is ‘on fire’
Frank 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.”
Jack Tanner25 October 2025 18:39
Interview: ‘I just want to bash someone’s face in!’ says Parker, boxing’s Mr Nice Guy
Surely, even boxing’s “Mr Nice Guy” has a limit. And as Oleksandr Usyk and a world-title fight continue to elude Joseph Parker, he may actually be shuffling towards that limit. Very slowly, very reluctantly, yes – but shuffling nonetheless.
“My goal has been champion of the world, but the goal has changed,” Parker tells The Independent, on a call with other reporters. “Now, I just want to bash everyone in front of me – in a nice way!”
Interview with Joseph Parker:
Alex Pattle25 October 2025 18:36
Parker vs Wardley: Promoter Frank Warren remembers O2 fights over the years
Queensberry head honcho Frank Warren is speaking live on DAZN. He shares: “I did the very first show here, David Haye versus Enzo Maccarinelli, many years ago. We had some fabulous fights here. This is a venue that lends itself to boxing. The atmosphere is terrific, because everyone is on top of the ring. It brings more out of the fighters.”
Jack Tanner25 October 2025 18:36
Usyk eyes three more years – what does it mean for Parker and Wardley’s chances of facing him?
Oleksandr Usyk announced last week that he wants to fight into his 40s as he indicated that his legendary boxing career is far from over.
The two-time undisputed heavyweight champion had previously hinted that his fighting days were almost done, but he has now stated he will hang up his gloves at the age of 41.
If he stands by his claim, Usyk will have another three years before retirement and could be involved in several huge fights.
He is currently sidelined with a back injury, and tonight, Parker and Wardley will face each other for the right to be Usyk’s next mandatory challenger.
It had seemed likely that Usyk would vacate his WBO title and chase a more lucrative payday rather than facing the winner of Parker vs Wardley.
But with Usyk insisting he will fight on for years to come, has this now changed? Let’s assess how Usyk’s decision on his future could affect Wardley and Parker ahead of their fascinating clash at the O2 Arena.
Alex Pattle25 October 2025 18:24