Joseph Parker takes on the undefeated Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday in a winner-takes-all showdown for a chance at the undisputed heavyweight championship. With Usyk sidelined through injury and granted breathing room for his recovery, Parker (WBO interim) has taken the ultimate risk-reward gamble by opting to face the dangerous Wardley (WBA interim), with the winner in prime position to face Usyk for the WBA, WBO and WBC belts sometime in 2026.
On paper, it’s a fascinating fight. Parker's (33-3-0) resurgence following a 2022 defeat to Joe Joyce has been mightily impressive, putting together a signature run that included wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, and a statement two-round stoppage of Martin Bakole. He was set to face Usyk in the latter part of 2025, but injuries and scheduling conflicts with the Ukrainian left Parker’s camp frustrated, leading him to roll the dice against Wardley.
Suffolk-born Wardley (19-0-1) has dominated the British domestic heavyweight scene, but this will be his first time on the international stage. A devastating overhand right in the tenth round against Justis Huni saw him turn a fight he was losing on the judges’ scorecards on its head, earning his first shot at the big time and a chance to fight for life-changing rewards.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley Tips – 9/2 Bet Builder
-
Joseph Parker to win
-
Over 8.5 rounds
-
2 or more total fight knockdowns
Where to Bet?
We’ve compared the odds with the best boxing betting sites to see where the value is on Saturday and have posted odds from the top five bookies for the bet builder.
*Odds correct as of 8:30 BST on 24/10/2025. Odds subject to change.
Bet 1: Joseph Parker to Win
Parker should have too much class for Wardley on Saturday night. He’s a better boxer than when he lost to Joyce, and he’s fought on the biggest stage, against the best, which will massively help him in this fight.
He outworked Wilder and outboxed Zhang over 12 rounds. Granted, he was knocked down twice against Zhang, and this will be cause for some concern given Wardley’s explosive nature, but his profile suggests he’ll be too calm, cold and calculated as Wardley goes in search of that miracle punch. He’s short-priced at 1/3, but it’s an integral part of the opening segment for our bet builder, so he gets the nod.
Still on the fence?
If you’re not quite convinced, BOYLE Sports is running a promotion where they’re paying 11/4 boosted from 9/4 for either fighter to win by unanimous decision – Get Offer
Bet 2: Over 8.5 Rounds
If we’re backing Parker to win, then the over 8.5 rounds makes a lot of sense here. He went the distance in his last two marquee fights against Zhang and Wilder, and even though he made light work of Martin Bakole, forcing a stoppage in Round 2, he won’t want to stand and trade with Wardley early, as that plays right into the Englishman’s hands.
Wardley has had 18 KO’s in 19 fights, which says a lot about his dangerous style. But his last bout against Justis Huni took him until Round 10 to land the fatal overhand right. Wardley absolutely has the power to end this fight early, but over 8.5 rounds is the play when we’re taking Parker to win.
Bet 3: Two or More Total Fight Knockdowns
History suggests that one (or both) of these guys is going to hit the canvas at some point. Parker was dropped in his first fight with Derek Chisora, but rallied to take a split decision, then did it twice against Zhang before again recovering to win.
Wardley has the power to sit the Kiwi down. The question is, will he get back up? And we think the answer is yes. He’s got an underrated chin and the power to fight fire with fire against Wardley, should it come to that. Two or more knockdowns in what could be an absolute epic is the final part of our Parker vs Wardley betting tips.
