The pair enter the contest, live on DAZN on October 25, in excellent form as they have both made their way past a number of solid contenders in impressive fashion as they have each looked to prove that they are the worthiest of taking on the magical Ukrainian next year. 

In 2022, it appeared that Parker’s run in boxing at the highest level could be over as he was battered by Joe Joyce and stopped for the only time in his lengthy career .  

Since then, the popular New Zealander has put together an impressive run of victories including points wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. 

In Wardley, Parker is facing one of the heavyweight division's biggest punchers and also an opponent who is yet to taste defeat. 

A former white-collar fighter, Wardley’s transition to the professional code has run smoothly and he goes up against Parker with knockouts over Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke standing out massively on his ledger. 

Tony Bellew, who was once linked to a showdown with Parker during his brief stay at heavyweight, is a big admirer of both men, but was clear who he thought would be victorious.

“This is a proper fight with two proper fighters who both have a lot of quality,” said Bellew when speaking exclusively to DAZN News . 

“It’s hard making a prediction because of how good the fight is, but when I proper look at both men and what they’ve done and who they’ve been in with, you have to say Parker is the man to back. 

“It’s absolutely incredible what Wardley has achieved considering his background. No amateur titles or Olympic medals. He’s just a kid who loves to fight, and with all that desire, determination, and most importantly, power, he’s got himself into a really good position. 

“Look, one shot from Wardley can end this fight immediately, but Parker knows that, and I think he’ll give Wardley the respect he deserves. I’m saying Parker takes the sting out of Wardley before slowing him down for a late stoppage.” 

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.

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