Queensberry promoter Frank Warren says he doubts that Oleksandr will fight for the rest of 2025 due to an injury.
Warren mentions that the undisputed heavyweight champion USYK (24-0, 15 COs) asked the WBO to take a timeout because of his injury. This directly affects the WBO -sheltered Joseph Parker as he hoped to challenge Usyk for his title this year.
USYK’s Timeout
“(Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr utility) asked for the WBO from the WBO, and he provided evidence, and that is the position at the moment,” said Frank Warren, the Queensberry promoter. Sky Sports. “Will he fight before the end of the year? I doubt a lot about it.”
While U.S. recovery from his injury, WBA -Tussent time champion Fabio Wardley and WBO tussentage champion Parker were negotiated to fight on October 25, 2025 in the O2 Arena in London.
Warren is impressed with how Parker and Wardley are willing to fight a risky battle while USyk is out. Both are in positions to challenge for his world title and can wait until next year if they want.
The new direction of the heavyweight division
“It says a lot about them, but it happens in this heavyweight section. The fighters are fighting against each other; no one is bending anyone. They happen and we make it happen and they make it happen,” Warren said. “Everyone wants to see these battles, and we work very hard to deliver.”
I wouldn’t go so far as to say “everyone” wants to see how Parker fights against Wardley. Many of the fans prefer to see Parker fighting against Moses Itauma, Agit Kabayel or Daniel Dubois. It is understandable that it is fighting that would attract more interest due to a combination of popularity and proven records.
Wardley’s limited competition history
Wardley, 30, did not beat any significant fighters during his career and chose to work at the British domestic level rather than at the world level. He seems to be a good basic Slugger, but his first fight against Frazer Clarke on March 31, 2024 showed the level he was fighting.
Fabio’s best wins
- Frazer Clarke
- Just Huni
- David Adelye
- Eric molina
- Nathan Gorman
Wardley took a lot of punishment in the fight against the big, slow 266 pound Clarke. His face was a bloody mess by the end of the competition, which achieved a 12-round majority stretch. Again, not “everyone” wants to see Parker against Wardley. Fans would like to see other matches involving Parker.
Last updated on 09/03/2025
