Error code: %{errorCode}
Who's backing who? Boxing weighs in on Joseph Parker-Fabio Wardley crunch clash
Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley meet this weekend in the heavyweight clash of the season at London's The O2 Arena, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
The New Zealander and the Briton face off this Saturday with the knowledge that the winner likely gets a shot at Oleksandr Usyk in early 2026.
It's no surprise, with such stakes on the line, that the great and the good of the boxing world have weighed in on what they expect to unfold in the ring.
Here, DAZN News rounds up some of the key takeaways from fellow fighters, former rivals and promoters ahead of a mouthwatering crunch clash.
Zhilei Zhang (Former WBO interim heavyweight champion)
"I’ve been in the ring with Joseph Parker, I’m slightly favouring Parker in this fight. I believe his overall ability is a level above Fabio Wardley, probably by decision."
As told to BoxNation
Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing)
"I think it’s a huge jump up for Wardley. This is a different kind of step up against a guy with massive experience and massive form, but Fabio has big cojones
"He will be live in all fights because he’s not afraid to let his hands go. I think it’s a step too far for him in the form that Joseph’s in. But he’s definitely live in the fight."
As told to Sky Sports News
Frazer Clarke (Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Super-Heavyweight Bronze Medalist)
“It’s a good fight. I think Parker will go in as favourite for various reasons but you can’t ever write Wardley off. I know what he does more than anyone so you can’t write him off."
As told to Boxing News
Derek Chisora (Former WBC heavyweight title challenger)
“I feel like Wardley wins this fight with a knockout. I believe Fabio has got his numbers right now. After his last performance he’s got something to prove.
"Fabio is a little beast. Joseph is a beast as well but Fabio Wardley will win this fight by knockout. Trust me on this. Put your house on this deal."
As told to British Boxing News
Jai Opetaia (IBF cruiserweight champion)
“That’s a cracker of a fight. I believe that Parker boxes well, he fights well, he’s smart and has got good hand speed for a heavyweight. I believe he wins."
As told to Boxing News
Carl Frampton (Former IBF and WBA super bantamweight/WBA featherweight champion)
“Joseph Parker has improved immensely over the last couple of years. Although he’s been inactive for a while through no fault of his own, he’s the big favourite.
“I wouldn’t rule Fabio out. He’s a puncher, he’s dangerous and he always has a chance,”
As told to Boxing News
Lawrence Okolie (Former WBC bridgerweight/WBO cruiserweight champion)
“I do favour Parker cause I don’t think Wardley’s going to be able to one shot KO him and I don’t think he’s going to be able to live with him boxing-wise.
“However, if he does get the shots off accuracy wise he’s got more than enough intent and intensity to force a stoppage."
As told to BoxNation
Tim Bradley (Former WBC and WBO light welterweight/WBO welterweight champion)
“It took me one round to break down Wardley and Joseph Parker Wardley is about to get knocked out. This fight is going to go four or five rounds at the most.
"If that, because Joseph Parker is going to knock him out with a right hand [or] it might be a single punch followed up by combinations.”
As told to Tim Bradley's YouTube Channel
Watch Parker vs. Wardley live on DAZN
Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley fight on Saturday, October 25, to become the WBO mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk. Watch the fight and undercard live and exclusive on DAZN PPV.
