Having missed out on a blockbuster clash for the undisputed heavyweight crown, Joseph Parker has been offered a lifeline in terms of in-ring activity.
Currently holding the interim WBO heavyweight championship, Kiwi veteran Joseph Parker was hopeful of securing himself an undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk this year.
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But with the Ukrainian star currently dealing with a back injury, Parker has missed out on a chance to compete for all the gold belts next.
However, all is not lost, with the Oceanic megastar expected to make his return as soon as next month against a fellow world heavyweight champion.
Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley targeted for October in London
Urged to keep active whilst Usyk remains sidelined in a bid to earn an extension from the WBO to fight Parker, the current interim champion is lined up for an appearance at Wembley Stadium next month.
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As per a report from Ring Magazine, Parker is currently finalizing a deal to face off with interim WBA heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley in the capital on October 25.
“Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley is on the verge of being finalised for a heavyweight clash on October 25th at The O2 Arena in London, The Ring has learned.”
Boasting an impressive 19-0-1 record himself, unbeaten Ipswich native Wardley stopped James Hunt with a tenth round knockout to win his interim WBA heavyweight crown back in June, scoring his 18th career knockout win in the process.
Joseph Parker’s team call Oleksandr Usyk’s injury into question
Sidelined through a back injury following his second undisputed heavyweight title win over Daniel Dubois earlier this summer, Usyk has come under fire in the time since, however.
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However, amid footage of Usyk dancing during a ceremony in his home country, Parker’s promoter called into question the severity of his injury, as an undisputed title fight continues to stall.
“I haven’t actually seen the medical evidence, but you would think that a serious injury would prevent that sort of activity,” David Higgins told Sky Sports.
“As far as I’m concerned, things are exactly as they were. In boxing, nothing surprises me.”