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Fabio Wardley achieved a major upset to destroy Joseph Parker's hopes of earning a two-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday and put himself in contention for a chance at perfect champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Stunning Comeback Victory

The UK fighter is now the primary contender for the Ukrainian after he earned a impressive comeback victory by ending the experienced New Zealander in the penultimate round of an exciting and tough battle at London's O2 Arena.

Wardley, 30, secured the WBO 'interim' title when he compelled referee Howard Foster to stop the bout as he overwhelmed former world champion Parker, who had been hurt badly in the 10th by a straight uppercut.

Dramatic Celebration

The Ipswich native got the crowd to their feet and collapsed to the floor in celebration as his support crew piled into the ring to rejoice.

They were magnificent scenes as the ex white-collar boxer maintained his remarkable rise in the pro circuit.

Controversial Stoppage

There was an debate that the stoppage was untimely, especially given Parker had commanded for extended periods of the fight and hurt Wardley multiple occasions with right hands.

But the 33-year-old New Zealander offered little protest when Foster stepped forward and his trainer Andy Lee did not seem to protest as his man endured his fourth career defeat.

Wardley's After-Match Comments

"I stated all the way through this build-up that we chose Joseph Parker because I believe I'm at the top and I proved I'm at the top," said Wardley.

"All recognition to Joseph, he can't get enough esteem and he merits all the admiration from the boxing fraternity. He accepted a chance when he didn't have to, and we knew he wasn't going anywhere quickly. We had to pick our spots and ultimately we got them out of there."

Decisive Round

It was a right uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which shifted the bout decisively back in support of the longshot.

This was Wardley's 20th pro win and his most important. Usyk now potentially awaits early next year.

Parker endangered his position as the primary contender for Usyk's championship by undertaking this fight, dropping to his fourth professional defeat.

Promoter's Assured Outlook

Wardley's promoter Frank Warren stated to DAZN: "Usyk stated he wants to do it, so that's what it will be. It's a thirty-six minute fight and it only needs one second from him."

Wardley's Extraordinary Journey Advances

It was a elite group of the British heavyweight category in the arena with Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma, Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte among the observers.

Usyk was not here, but he was the man this bout was all for.

Wardley marched to the ring decked out in Ipswich Town colours with the football club's badge displayed on his kit.

Impressive Career Progression

He spoke in the lead-up how it was amazing that when Parker was winning the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only fighting in white-collar boxing.

Yet here he was on the equivalent level as the experienced Kiwi in a fight to determine the next challenger for Usyk, the best heavyweight of this period.

Fight Description

With Lee in his corner, Parker was on a winning run coming into this bout of six wins including wins over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole.

As shouts of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' resounded around the arena, Parker secured control with a ramrod of a jab that soon caused blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose.

The conclusion to the first three minutes was forceful from the favorite as Parker powered through with a powerful of a right hand.

Thrilling Momentum Shift

Parker's control disappeared when a right hand from Wardley shook him in the second.

It would be a harbinger to what would follow later in the fight. It was a excellent shot and brought those ringside to their feet as the New Zealander looked unsteady on his.

The knowledge of Parker, in his fortieth pro fight, looked like it was going to be critical here. Wardley was always threatening, but Parker was landing the better shots through the middle rounds.

Last Rounds and Victory

The Kiwi's left uppercuts to the body and right hands over the top were a notable feature, but Wardley's own backhand remained a danger.

The fight looked to be fizzling out in the eighth before it erupted back into life and shifted firmly back in Wardley's favor in the 10th.

He made sure his remarkable story would get another chapter against Usyk when he overwhelmed Parker in the 11th with a volley of shots which pressured Foster to act.

It may have been early but Wardley will claim that Parker was taking considerable punishment.

Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley?

Usyk sought a medical exemption to postpone his compulsory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his consultant Serge Lapin recently verified that the undefeated champion was prepared to face the victor of this bout.

Warren will now look to make that fight next year for his man.

Fast Ascent to the Top

With just 21 professional fights on the back of no amateur background having emerged from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still unpolished and his ascent to this standing has been considerably accelerated.

But now he is in a position to challenge the finest heavyweight of this period which is a Hollywood-like tale.

Parker's Future Considerations

Parker will now have to thoughtfully evaluate his next step, given his age and how long he has been participating at the top level.

He accepted a significant chance here and his prospects of reclaiming a portion of the world heavyweight crown have been diminished.