Former WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Tony Bellew has delivered a controversial prediction ahead of the highly anticipated Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley fight scheduled for October 25 at London’s O2 Arena.

Known for his blunt honesty and deep knowledge of the sport, Bellew’s words have sparked debate among boxing fans. While acknowledging Fabio Wardley’s raw knockout power, Bellew firmly believes that Joseph Parker holds the upper hand in this heavyweight clash.

In this article, we’ll break down Bellew’s comments, analyze both fighters’ form, and look at what this bout means for the heavyweight division moving forward.

Tony Bellew Gives His Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley Prediction

When it comes to boxing predictions, Tony Bellew has earned a reputation for being fearless with his opinions. The Liverpudlian, also known as “The Bomber,” has shared the ring with elite fighters and remains a respected voice in the boxing community.

Although retired, Bellew continues to influence the sport through punditry and commentary. His insights carry weight, especially when addressing a bout as intriguing as Parker vs Wardley.

According to Bellew, this fight might arrive too soon for Fabio Wardley. Despite Wardley’s undefeated record and his reputation as a knockout artist, Bellew suggests that the Englishman still needs more seasoning before taking on someone of Parker’s caliber.

Joseph Parker’s Road to the Fight

Joseph Parker, the former WBO World Heavyweight Champion, has re-established himself as one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division. Since losing his title to Anthony Joshua in 2018, the New Zealander has bounced back impressively.

In his last three fights, Parker has beaten some of the biggest names in the sport:

• Deontay Wilder – A stunning victory that shocked many boxing fans and proved Parker’s elite status.

• Zhilei Zhang – Another high-level win showcasing Parker’s resilience and tactical skills.

• Martin Bakole – A strong performance that further solidified Parker’s momentum.

Currently, Parker is the WBO mandatory challenger for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed crown. However, with Usyk sidelined due to injury, Parker has opted to take this dangerous fight against Wardley to stay active and sharp.

Fabio Wardley’s Rise and Challenges

On the other side stands Fabio Wardley, an unbeaten British heavyweight with a record of exciting knockout wins. Wardley’s name has risen quickly in recent years, largely due to his incredible punching power and entertaining fighting style.

Wardley’s most recent victory came against Justis Huni, where he produced a stunning late KO despite trailing on the scorecards. That fight displayed both his vulnerabilities and his strengths:

• Vulnerability: Huni outboxed him for much of the contest, exposing Wardley’s lack of extensive amateur experience.

• Strength: Wardley’s ability to turn a fight around with one punch makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

This unpredictable power is what Bellew referred to when he called Wardley’s knockout ability an “equaliser.”

Bellew: ‘I Don’t Think He’s Ready’

Speaking to FightLens, Tony Bellew gave his brutally honest take on the Parker vs Wardley showdown:

“If I was managing Fabio Wardley, I don’t think he’s ready for that fight. The Justis Huni fight showed that. He just needs a few more rounds against a bit better opposition. Maybe even a Jermaine Franklin fight makes more sense for Fabio Wardley than it does Moses Itauma.”

Bellew highlighted Wardley’s white-collar boxing background and limited amateur experience, which can be a disadvantage against a seasoned fighter like Parker. He noted that Huni was winning most rounds against Wardley until the knockout punch landed.

Still, Bellew didn’t completely dismiss Wardley’s chances:

“When you look at the fight, Makhmudov is a favourite, but you just don’t know. Dave Allen is full of surprises, and it’s just nice to see him involved in bigger fights, and the comeback that he’s had.”

His conclusion? Parker is the clear favorite, but Wardley remains a live underdog because of his ability to end fights with one shot.

Why Parker vs Wardley Matters for the Heavyweight Division

The Parker vs Wardley fight is more than just another heavyweight clash. The winner will position themselves for a massive opportunity against Oleksandr Usyk or another world titleholder in the near future.

Here’s why the bout is significant:

1. For Joseph Parker – A win keeps him sharp and active while awaiting his world title shot. It also strengthens his case as the legitimate top challenger to Usyk.

2. For Fabio Wardley – An upset victory would catapult him into global stardom and mark him as a serious threat to the heavyweight elite.

The stakes are high, and both men know that a win on October 25 could define the next stage of their careers.

Betting Odds Reflect Bellew’s Prediction

The bookmakers agree with Bellew’s assessment. Joseph Parker is the heavy favorite going into the fight:

• Parker outright win: 1/6 favorite

• Wardley outright win: 4/1 underdog

• Parker by KO/TKO: 4/5 odds

• Parker by points: 7/4 odds

• Wardley by KO/TKO: 7/1 odds

• Wardley by points: 26/1 odds

While Parker is expected to win, bettors see value in Wardley’s knockout potential. His unpredictability makes him a dangerous underdog.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Parker vs Wardley

To better understand Bellew’s prediction, let’s compare the fighters’ key strengths and weaknesses:

Joseph Parker

• Strengths: Experience, strong chin, tactical IQ, high-level victories against elite opponents.

• Weaknesses: Can sometimes be too passive in fights, allowing opponents to dictate the pace.

Fabio Wardley

• Strengths: Raw knockout power, confidence, and ability to change a fight instantly.

• Weaknesses: Lack of amateur background, struggles against technical boxers, vulnerability on the scorecards.

This breakdown makes it clear why Parker is seen as the favorite, but Wardley’s “equaliser” punch cannot be ignored.

Bellew’s Final Word: Parker Is the Man to Beat

Tony Bellew’s Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley prediction ultimately leans heavily in Parker’s favor. While he admires Wardley’s power and resilience, Bellew insists that the Englishman isn’t quite ready for such a step up in competition.

For Bellew, Joseph Parker’s discipline, experience, and composure will be too much for Wardley, regardless of the Brit’s knockout potential.

Conclusion: Can Wardley Shock the World?

The upcoming Parker vs Wardley fight is shaping up to be one of the most exciting heavyweight clashes of 2025. On one side, Joseph Parker brings experience, momentum, and the hunger for another world title shot. On the other, Fabio Wardley offers raw power, unpredictability, and the potential to shock the boxing world.

Tony Bellew’s prediction favors Parker, but he also acknowledges that Wardley’s knockout power makes the fight far from straightforward. As Bellew put it:

“Fabio Wardley has that equaliser.”

On October 25, fans will finally see whether Parker’s class can withstand Wardley’s power, or if the undefeated Brit can pull off a career-defining upset.