Commentator Ade Oladipo points out that Joseph Parker’s inactivity over the past 15 months puts him in a vulnerable position against Fabio Wardley tonight in their heavyweight bout at the O2 Arena in London, England. Parker has fought only two rounds, totaling four minutes, in the past eight months.
(Credit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney)
Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs) was more active; he’s younger, stronger, and when he knocks his opponents down, they stay down. Ade gives Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) the edge, just barely, based on his experience.
Fifteen months, four minutes of action
“My concern for Parker is that he’s had four minutes of boxing in 15 months,” commentator Ade Oladipo said. Queensberrytalk about Joseph Parker’s inactivity.
Earlier this year, on February 22, Parker knocked out severely out-of-shape 310-lb Martin Bakole in the second round. Prior to that, Parker’s previous fight was a 12-round majority decision win over Zhilei Zhang on March 8, 2024. He didn’t exactly look like a reincarnated Joe Louis in that fight, getting dropped by Zhang twice, and only winning because Zhilei gassed in the championship rounds.
The lack of activity and quality fights puts Parker at just enough of a disadvantage to give the more youthful and trim Wardley a chance tonight. Parker didn’t look modest, weighing in at 262 1/2 pounds at Friday’s weigh-in.
Parker’s conditioning under the microscope
Joseph’s best weight is in the mid-240s, and he hasn’t looked like he’s missed too many meals since his fight with Bakole. Amazingly, Parker would allow himself to come into such an important fight looking as weak as he is against one of the biggest punchers in the division.
“Yeah, he had an incredible run from Wilder, Zhang and Bakole. But he wasn’t active, and he’s fighting someone who was active. Someone who’s unpredictable. But you’ve got to favor Parker,” Ade said.
“Parker is more experienced. What Parker has done in boxing for a decade is unbelievable. He’s fought everyone except Fury and Usyk, but it’s a big step for Wardley. It’s not Justis Huni. It’s another level.
Last updated on 25/10/2025
