Boxing news: Parker promises to ‘smash’ Wardley in heavyweight clash at London’s O2 Arena
Joseph Parker has promised to “smash” Fabio Wardley during the pair’s Saturday night clash at the O2 Arena in London.
It only took two rounds for Parker to beat Martin Bakole in his last fight, the Congolese having stepped up at short notice after Daniel Dubois pulled out due to illness.
The New Zealander is on a six-bout winning streak since losing in brutal fashion to Joe Joyce via knockout in September 2022.
In contrast, his opponent Wardley remains undefeated, with the East Anglian knocking out 18 of 20 challengers so far in his professional boxing career.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Will Thomas has all you need to know.
Parker on ‘a different level’
Parker is confident he will end Wardley’s 20-fight unbeaten streak, stating he’s on a different level.
“I’ve got many miles on the clock and I’ve got many more to bring,” said the former world champion at Thursday’s news conference.
“I’m only getting into my prime now. Credit to Wardley for taking this fight, but it’s the wrong time to be taking this fight because I’m going to smash him.”
Wins over Deontay Wilder and Zheli Zhang have reestablished Parker as one of the elite fighters in the division.
“I’m a different level to be honest and I’ll show it on Saturday,” Parker added.
Wardley, however, remains unfazed by Parker’s comments.
“For me, it’s nothing new,” he admitted.
“I relish the challenge – I look forward to stepping up, proving people wrong, proving doubters wrong, and that I belong very much at this top level.
“Just because my record is littered with highlight-reel knockouts, I think people get distracted by that and take away my actual boxing skills which set up those punches or brought me to those moments.”
He memorably beat Juan Huni in his last bout thanks to an extraordinary one-punch knockout in the 10th round.
Ultimately, a win for either fighter would almost certainly put them next in line for a title shot against two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
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