"Boxing is in a real slump this year, with few major fights and far less compelling bouts than usual, and so the prospect of a serious and intriguing heavyweight contest between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena brings a measure of relief to the beleaguered business. The winner will almost certainly face Oleksandr Usyk, the world champion, next year."
"Parker is on a hot streak since his last defeat, to Joe Joyce, three years ago. The New Zealand veteran, who won the WBO world title in 2016, has been rejuvenated by his switch of trainers to the inspirational Andy Lee. He has won six fights in a row, earning particular acclaim for the poised way in which he crushed Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole."
"Wardley has steadily built his unbeaten record over 20 bouts, while displaying astonishing power against Frazer Clarke in a rematch last year and, this summer, when he knocked out Justis Huni with one chilling punch. But Clarke took Wardley to hell and back when their brutal first fight ended in a draw and Huni had an unassailable lead on all three scorecards before he was felled in the 10th round."
Boxing is experiencing a downturn with few major or compelling fights, raising the significance of a heavyweight contest between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena. The winner is expected to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the world title next year, while the loser will suffer reputational decline. Parker has rebuilt his career since a defeat to Joe Joyce, winning six straight after switching to trainer Andy Lee and defeating Wilder, Zhang and Bakole. Wardley is unbeaten in 20 fights and has shown extraordinary power, though his limited amateur background and skill doubts leave him vulnerable.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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