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Fabio Wardley pulled off a major upset to destroy Joseph Parker's dreams of securing a double world heavyweight champion on Saturday and put himself in contention for a opportunity at undefeated champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Remarkable Comeback Victory

The English fighter is now the number one contender for the Ukrainian after he secured a stunning comeback victory by ending the veteran New Zealander in the eleventh round of an entertaining and bruising battle at London's O2 Arena.

Wardley, 30, won the WBO 'interim' title when he compelled referee Howard Foster to stop the bout as he overwhelmed previous world champion Parker, who had been significantly damaged in the 10th by a right-handed uppercut.

Dramatic Celebration

The Ipswich native raised the crowd to their feet and dropped to the floor in celebration as his corner team flooded into the ring to rejoice.

They were excellent scenes as the former white-collar boxer maintained his outstanding rise in the pro circuit.

Debated Stoppage

There was an argument that the halt was early, especially given Parker had controlled for large parts of the fight and injured Wardley repeatedly with right hands.

But the 33-year-old New Zealander provided little objection when Foster stepped in and his trainer Andy Lee did not look to protest as his man endured his fourth pro defeat.

Wardley's Post-Fight Comments

"I stated all the way through this lead-up that we selected Joseph Parker because I believe I'm at the top and I demonstrated I'm at the top," commented Wardley.

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

Turning Point

It was a right-handed uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which swung the bout firmly back in benefit of the outsider.

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

Parker endangered his position as the primary contender for Usyk's championship by taking this fight, declining to his fourth pro defeat.

Promoter's Positive Outlook

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

Wardley's Remarkable Journey Progresses

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 spectators.

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

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

Impressive Career Progression

He remarked in the preparation how it was remarkable that when Parker was securing the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only competing in white-collar boxing.

Yet here he was on the identical platform as the experienced Kiwi in a fight to establish the next challenger for Usyk, the greatest heavyweight of this period.

Fight Description

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

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

The finish to the first three minutes was decisive from the favourite as Parker powered through with a powerful of a right hand.

Exciting Momentum Shift

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

It would be a precursor to what would occur later in the fight. It was a beautiful shot and got those ringside to their feet as the New Zealander looked unsteady on his.

The expertise of Parker, in his 40th career fight, looked like it was going to be vital here. Wardley was always dangerous, but Parker was connecting the better shots through the central 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 seemed to be fizzling out in the eighth before it erupted back into life and shifted decisively back in Wardley's benefit in the 10th.

He made sure his stunning story would get another chapter against Usyk when he swarmed Parker in the 11th with a flurry of shots which forced Foster to intervene.

It may have been quick but Wardley will argue that Parker was taking considerable punishment.

Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley?

Usyk sought a medical exception to postpone his mandatory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his advisor Serge Lapin recently confirmed that the unbeaten champion was set to face the successful fighter of this bout.

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

Rapid Ascent to the Top

With just 21 professional fights on the back of without amateur background having come from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still unpolished and his ascent to this level has been significantly accelerated.

But now he is in a position to face the best heavyweight of this era which is a Hollywood-like tale.

Parker's Future Considerations

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

He took a huge risk here and his prospects of regaining a piece of the world heavyweight crown have been lessened.