Wardley (20-01, 19KO) once again upset the odds to stop ex-world champion in the 11th round of an instant classic fight at the O2 Arena last night.
Fabio Wardley, left, rocks Joseph Parker on the way to stopping him at the O2 Arena (Image: PA)
The win means he adds Parker’s WBO interim crown to his WBA interim strap – and puts him next in line to face the unbeaten legend Usyk.
The Ukranian is one of the greatest fighters of all time, having won undisputed titles at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. He’s beaten all of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel DuBois twice along the way, with his perfect record standing at 24-0 (15KO).
READ MORE: ‘I told everyone I wasn’t losing’ – Wardley on huge win against Parker
It’s an extraordinary match-up between an unbeaten all-time great of the sport and a unheralded Suffolk slugger who turned pro with no amateur experience, having only started boxing ten years ago.
Oleksandr Usyk holds all four heavyweight belts and is one of the greatest fighters of all time (Image: PA)
And Warren insisted he’ll make the Usyk fight for his star man. “He’s said he wants to do it, so that’s what it will be!” he enthused after last night’s fight.
“Seriously, he is so right with what he says – it’s a 36-minute fight, but it only takes one second for him.
“And he does it time and time again. We were behind in the fight again, but honestly, I sit there in amazement.
“He’s somebody with zero amateur experience, 20 fights, fighting a former world champion and a guy who’s just beaten three or four guys in the top ten and done it in style.
“Everyone in Ipswich should absolutely be so proud of him, as we all are in the UK.
“That was a phenomenal performance, he’s something special. And you know what, two lovely guys and two great professionals.
“But what a fight, that was edge of your seat stuff, all the way through. Both of them gave everything they had.
“And this man here, my God, I take my hat off to him. It’s a story I’ve never seen in boxing before.”
Frank Warren and Fabio Wardley meet the media after last night’s fight (Image: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry)
Put to Warren that the Usyk fight should be in a stadium next summer – although too big for Portman Road – he agreed.
“That’s what it is,” Warren confirmed. “Let me tell you, it’s really simple. Oleksandr is a great champion and he’s said he wants to fight, he doesn’t want to vacate the belt.
“Fabio Wardley’s next fight will be for the four belts – not one belt, four belts.
“He’s the WBO interim champion, and his next fight is what he deserves for a performance like that – unbelievable. Ballsy, brave, unbelievable performance.
“We’re all proud of him.”
Fabio Wardley clips Joseph Parker with a big left hook (Image: PA)
A fight against Usyk for all four major belts would have been an absurd suggestion just a matter of months ago.
But now, that is the reality for the humble Suffolk star with bricks for fists.
“You’re laughing, I’m laughing – it sounds like a dream, a fairytale,” Wardley said of the match-up with Usyk.
“But this is real life. I’m proof that with hard work, commitment, love of the sport, dedication, that you can make it in this sport.
“You’ve got to give yourself to it, but boxing will give you everything and more.”