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Fabio Wardley pulled off a huge upset to shatter Joseph Parker's hopes of becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday and placed himself in contention for a shot at undefeated champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Impressive Comeback Victory

The English fighter is now the number one contender for the Ukrainian after he earned a remarkable comeback victory by halting the experienced New Zealander in the 11th round of an thrilling and physical battle at London's O2 Arena.

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

Emotional Celebration

The Ipswich native got the crowd to their feet and dropped to the floor in triumph as his corner team rushed into the ring to rejoice.

They were superb scenes as the previous white-collar boxer extended his remarkable rise in the pro circuit.

Questioned Stoppage

There was an discussion that the intervention was early, especially given Parker had controlled for significant portions of the fight and hurt Wardley numerous times with straight rights.

But the 33-year-old New Zealander provided little argument when Foster stepped in and his trainer Andy Lee did not appear to object as his man endured his fourth career defeat.

Wardley's Post-Fight Comments

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

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

Critical Moment

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

This was Wardley's twentieth professional win and his most crucial. Usyk now likely awaits early next year.

Parker endangered his standing as the primary contender for Usyk's crown by taking this fight, declining to his fourth career defeat.

Promoter's Positive Outlook

Wardley's promoter Frank Warren stated to DAZN: "Usyk said 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 Incredible Journey Continues

It was a top names of the British heavyweight scene 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 marched to the ring decked out in Ipswich Town colors with the football club's badge featured on his kit.

Impressive Career Progression

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

Yet here he was on the equivalent level as the seasoned Kiwi in a fight to determine 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 successful fights including wins over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole.

As shouts of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' echoed 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 end to the first three minutes was forceful from the favourite as Parker stormed through with a rocket of a right hand.

Dramatic Momentum Shift

Parker's control vanished when a right hand from Wardley stunned him in the second.

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

The knowledge of Parker, in his 40th career fight, looked like it was going to be vital here. Wardley was always risky, but Parker was connecting 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 particular highlight, but Wardley's own backhand remained a risk.

The fight appeared to be losing steam in the eighth before it burst back into life and shifted clearly back in Wardley's favour in the 10th.

He guaranteed his remarkable story would get another chapter against Usyk when he swarmed Parker in the 11th with a flurry of shots which forced Foster to act.

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

Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley?

Usyk requested a medical exception to postpone his mandatory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his representative 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 twenty-one career fights on the back of no amateur background having arrived from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still raw and his ascent to this position has been substantially sped up.

But now he is in a situation to take on the top heavyweight of this period which is a Hollywood-like tale.

Parker's Future Considerations

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

He accepted a huge risk here and his opportunities of reclaiming a portion of the world heavyweight crown have been reduced.