When former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew speaks, boxing fans listen. Ahead of the much-anticipated October clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, Bellew has given his honest assessment of the matchup — and while he strongly favors Parker, he admits that Wardley carries a dangerous weapon: the knockout punch.

This bout is one of the most intriguing heavyweight matchups of the year. Parker, the former WBO champion, is riding a career-best streak after defeating Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Martin Bakole in consecutive fights. Meanwhile, Wardley, who has risen from a white-collar background to British heavyweight champion, has shown heart, power, and resilience — but also vulnerabilities that Bellew believes Parker will be ready to exploit.

In this article, we break down Bellew’s prediction, examine Parker and Wardley’s recent form, and explore what’s truly at stake for both fighters in October.

Joseph Parker’s Remarkable Resurgence

For much of his career, Joseph Parker was viewed as a solid, skillful heavyweight but not among the true elite. That narrative has changed dramatically in the last two years. His victories over Wilder, Zhang, and Bakole have cemented him as one of the most in-form heavyweights in the world.

• Deontay Wilder: Parker shocked many when he neutralized Wilder’s legendary right hand, outboxing him and dominating en route to a clear decision victory.

• Zhilei Zhang: Against the Chinese powerhouse, Parker showcased resilience and tactical maturity, weathering Zhang’s heavy shots before outworking him late.

• Martin Bakole: A dangerous contender in his own right, Bakole fell victim to Parker’s composure and adaptability.

This run has placed Parker back in the conversation for a world title shot. Many fans and analysts believe he should be challenging Oleksandr Usyk for the WBO belt, but with Usyk sidelined due to injury, Parker has instead taken on the dangerous assignment of Fabio Wardley.

Fabio Wardley: A Puncher with the Equaliser

Fabio Wardley’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. With no traditional amateur pedigree, he began boxing as a white-collar fighter before turning professional. Since then, he has captured the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and built a reputation as one of the division’s most exciting knockout artists.

His recent fights demonstrate both his strengths and weaknesses:

• Frazer Clarke: Wardley famously stopped Clarke in the first round, proving his explosive power and killer instinct.

• Justis Huni: In his most recent fight, Wardley was thoroughly outboxed for much of the contest before landing a late knockout blow that saved him from a points defeat.

Bellew points to this fight as evidence of Wardley’s limitations. While Huni showcased superior boxing ability, Wardley’s raw power kept him alive until the end. Bellew’s summary? “Wardley has that equaliser.” In other words, his ability to end a fight with one punch gives him a chance against anyone — even the highly experienced Parker.

Tony Bellew’s Assessment

Speaking to FightLens, Bellew made it clear that, in his view, this fight has come a little too soon for Wardley.

“It’s a smart play by Frank Warren and his team to stick Fabio Wardley in. I come with the champion, I leave with the champion. It’s a Don King mentality. If I was managing Fabio Wardley, I don’t think he’s ready for that fight, and I think the Justis Huni fight showed that. He just needs a few more rounds against a bit better opposition.”

Bellew went on to suggest that Wardley might have benefited from matchups with fighters like Andy Ruiz or Jermaine Franklin before taking on Parker. Those fights, he argued, would have provided crucial experience without the immediate danger of facing someone as polished and battle-tested as Parker.

Nevertheless, Bellew does not dismiss Wardley outright. While he highlights Wardley’s lack of amateur grounding and occasional defensive lapses, he stresses that the Ipswich fighter’s punching power makes him a permanent threat.

“You’ve got to remember Fabio Wardley comes from a white collar background with very little amateur experience. And it shows, cause Justis Huni is boxing him and outboxing him thoroughly, he’s winning most rounds. But then as I’ve said before, Fabio Wardley has that equaliser.”

What’s at Stake in Parker vs Wardley

This fight is more than just a high-level domestic clash — it’s a potential gateway to world championship opportunities.

• For Parker: A victory would strengthen his case as the clear next challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO heavyweight title. Having already beaten several top contenders, Parker cannot afford a slip-up here if he hopes to secure another shot at the world crown.

• For Wardley: A win over Parker would be career-defining. It would instantly catapult him from British-level recognition to the global heavyweight elite. With his marketable style and knockout power, a victory would make him a serious contender for major titles.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has already suggested that the winner will be in line for Usyk, making the stakes for this bout enormous.

Styles Make Fights: Parker vs Wardley Breakdown

The clash between Parker and Wardley is fascinating because of their contrasting styles and backgrounds.

Joseph Parker’s Strengths

• Experience at elite level: Parker has shared the ring with Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, Andy Ruiz, and Derek Chisora, in addition to his recent run against top-tier opposition.

• Boxing IQ and composure: He knows how to neutralize power punchers, as demonstrated against Wilder.

• Stamina and durability: Parker rarely fades late in fights and has shown the ability to recover when hurt.

Fabio Wardley’s Strengths

• Explosive power: Wardley can end a fight in an instant.

• Fearlessness: Coming from a non-traditional background, Wardley has an unpredictable, unorthodox style.

• Momentum: Despite being outboxed at times, he has built confidence from dramatic knockout wins.

The likely dynamic of the fight? Parker will attempt to control distance, use his jab, and test Wardley’s defense and stamina. Wardley, in turn, will look for opportunities to land his power shots, particularly the right hand, and turn the fight on its head.

Bellew’s Prediction: Parker to Win, But Wardley Is Dangerous

When pressed for a prediction, Tony Bellew leaned heavily toward Parker.

• Why Parker? Bellew cites Parker’s experience, technical ability, and composure as decisive factors. Having beaten punchers like Wilder and Zhang, Parker has shown he knows how to avoid big shots while accumulating rounds.

• Why Wardley Still Has a Chance? Bellew admits that Wardley’s lack of ring craft may cost him over the long haul of the fight, but his ability to score knockouts means Parker cannot afford to relax for a second.

Bellew summed it up: Wardley may not be ready for Parker — but he always has that equaliser.

The Bigger Picture in Heavyweight Boxing

The heavyweight division is in an exciting period of transition. With Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk holding the major belts, and contenders like Anthony Joshua, Zhilei Zhang, Filip Hrgović, and Daniel Dubois in the mix, fighters are scrambling for position.

Parker’s resurgence makes him one of the most credible challengers to Usyk, while Wardley’s rise represents the new wave of heavyweights from unconventional backgrounds. Whoever emerges victorious in October will be perfectly placed to challenge for a world title in 2025.

Conclusion: A Fight That Could Change Careers

The October clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley is more than just another fight — it is a career-defining moment for both men.

• For Parker, it is a chance to continue his resurgence and force a world title shot.

• For Wardley, it is the opportunity to prove that his knockout power can overcome inexperience and launch him onto the global stage.

Tony Bellew’s prediction leans toward Parker, citing his experience and boxing intelligence. Yet Bellew acknowledges what makes Wardley dangerous: that single equaliser punch that can change everything in an instant.

Whether Parker’s skill and composure prevail, or Wardley lands the shot that shocks the world, fans can expect drama, intensity, and a fight that could reshape the heavyweight landscape.