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Fabio Wardley pulled off a massive upset to wreck Joseph Parker's hopes of securing a two-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday and put himself in contention for a chance at unbeaten champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Remarkable Comeback Victory

The British fighter is now the top contender for the Ukrainian after he earned a impressive comeback victory by halting the seasoned New Zealander in the penultimate round of an exciting 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 attacked former world champion Parker, who had been significantly damaged in the 10th by a right-handed uppercut.

Dramatic Celebration

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

They were excellent scenes as the former white-collar boxer maintained his remarkable rise in the boxing world.

Controversial Stoppage

There was an debate that the halt was early, especially given Parker had dominated for extended periods of the fight and hurt Wardley multiple occasions with straight rights.

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

Wardley's Victory Comments

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

"All praise to Joseph, he can't get enough admiration and he earns all the respect from the boxing world. He took a chance when he didn't have to, and we understood he wasn't going anywhere quickly. We had to choose our spots and finally we got them out of there."

Critical Moment

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

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

Parker gambled his position as the top contender for Usyk's title by accepting this fight, dropping to his fourth professional defeat.

Promoter's Positive 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 half-hour fight and it only requires one second from him."

Wardley's Incredible Journey Continues

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

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

Wardley proceeded to the ring dressed in Ipswich Town colours with the football club's emblem featured 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 fighting in white-collar boxing.

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

Fight Breakdown

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

As cries of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' rang around the arena, Parker gained control with a powerful of a jab that soon brought blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose.

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

Thrilling Momentum Shift

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

It would be a forerunner 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 unstable on his.

The knowledge of Parker, in his 40th professional fight, looked like it was going to be vital here. Wardley was always dangerous, but Parker was landing the better shots through the middle rounds.

Closing 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 appeared to be losing steam in the eighth before it burst back into life and shifted decisively back in Wardley's favor in the 10th.

He ensured his stunning story would get another chapter against Usyk when he attacked Parker in the 11th with a flurry of shots which pressured Foster to step in.

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

Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley?

Usyk sought a medical dispensation to postpone his mandatory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his representative Serge Lapin recently verified that the unbeaten champion was ready to face the winner 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 no amateur background having emerged from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still inexperienced and his rise to this level has been significantly accelerated.

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

Parker's Future Thoughts

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

He took a significant chance here and his chances of regaining a piece of the world heavyweight crown have been lessened.