Fabio Wardley has risen four places on The Ring Magazine’s heavyweight rankings.
Wardley claimed an impressive win over Parker to take the latter’s WBO interim heavyweight title on October 25.
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Wardley was the underdog in his fight against Parker but his ferocious punching power couldn’t be countered in the later stages of the clashCredit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
The pair went toe-to-toe exchanging devastating punches, until Wardley forced Parker against the ropes in the 11th round.
As the Briton unleashed a barrage of shots against a defenseless Parker, referee Howard Foster had seen enough of their ferocious battle and waved off the action.
His win saw Wardley become the new WBO interim champion and continue his unbeaten streak as a pro.
After announcing himself on the world stage, the 30-year-old has now found himself in the No.2 spot on the Ring Magazine’s updated rankings.
His recent foe has also received a new ranking change, as Parker drops two places into No.4 following the shock defeat.
The top five behind undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk is now made up of Tyson Fury, Wardley, Agit Kabayel, Parker and Daniel Dubois.
While Filip Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, Martin Bakole, Moses Itauma and Efe Ajagba make up places No.6 to No.10.
Wardley’s ascension reflects his overall success as a heavyweight contender, since turning professional in 2017.
Only two of his 21 outings have reached the final bell, and he has established quite the reputation as a knockout artist due to his huge right hand.
With 19 of his 20 wins coming by way of stoppage, the 30-year-old is certainly a force to be reckoned with as he continues his hopeful climb to the top.
Who are the top 10 heavyweights according to The Ring Magazine?
Oleksandr Usyk is the heavyweight champion
Tyson FuryFabio WardleyAgit KabayelJoseph ParkerDaniel DuboisFilip HrgovicZhilei ZhangMartin BakoleMoses ItaumaEfe Ajagba
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Wardley (20-0-1) is thirsty for more success as he eyes the top of the divisionCredit: Getty / talkSPORT Jordan Brightman-CharlesWhat’s next for Fabio Wardley?
The WBO had previously ordered Oleksandr Usyk to take on the winner of Parker vs Wardley.
As a result, that now puts the Ipswich puncher in line for a shot at heavyweight gold when Usyk returns to action following an injury.
Unless the Ukrainian opts to vacate his belt, the next time we see Wardley in action it is expected to be against the two-time heavyweight undisputed world champ.
Should Usyk go down another path Wardley would be elevated to full world champion, although as it stands the high-stakes clash is expected to go ahead.
Wardley’s promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed that they are looking to host the fight in the first part of 2026.
In the post-fight press conference, Warren said: “The fight [between Usyk and Wardley] has been ordered, so there will be a period of negotiations now.
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Usyk remains at the top of the heavyweight division but that could change if Wardley can get through himCredit: Getty
“And if we can’t reach an agreement, then it will go out for purse bids. I believe we will reach an agreement.
“The fight won’t be until next year, of course. I think it will be sometime in March…
“I’d love it to be in the UK, but there are only two places for this fight, and that’s either in Riyadh or here in London, that’s it.”
Not one of Usyk’s 27 opponents have managed to claim a win over him so far, should Wardley do so he would be etching himself into the history books.