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

Impressive Comeback Victory

The British fighter is now the top competitor for the Ukrainian after he secured a remarkable comeback victory by halting the experienced New Zealander in the eleventh round of an entertaining and tough battle at London's O2 Arena.

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

Dramatic Celebration

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

They were excellent scenes as the ex white-collar boxer maintained his extraordinary rise in the professional ranks.

Questioned Stoppage

There was an argument that the halt was early, especially given Parker had controlled for large parts of the fight and hurt Wardley numerous times with right hands.

But the 33-year-old New Zealander offered little argument when Foster stepped forward and his trainer Andy Lee did not look to remonstrate as his man experienced his fourth career defeat.

Wardley's Victory Comments

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

"All credit to Joseph, he can't get enough respect and he merits all the respect from the boxing community. He undertook a chance when he didn't have to, and we understood he wasn't going anywhere quickly. We had to select our spots and ultimately we got them out of there."

Critical Moment

It was a straight uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which turned the bout clearly back in favour of the outsider.

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

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

Promoter's Positive Outlook

Wardley's promoter Frank Warren told DAZN: "Usyk stated 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 Remarkable Journey Advances

It was a top names of the British heavyweight category 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 proceeded to the ring adorned in Ipswich Town hues with the football club's emblem displayed on his kit.

Significant Career Progression

He spoke in the build-up how it was amazing 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 equivalent level as the veteran Kiwi in a fight to decide the next challenger for Usyk, the top heavyweight of this era.

Fight Breakdown

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' resounded around the arena, Parker gained control with a powerful of a jab that soon caused blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose.

The finish to the first three minutes was forceful from the expected winner as Parker charged through with a strong of a right hand.

Dramatic Momentum Shift

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

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

The experience of Parker, in his fortieth pro fight, looked like it was going to be vital here. Wardley was always threatening, but Parker was hitting the better shots through the intermediate rounds.

Final Rounds and Victory

The Kiwi's left uppercuts to the body and right hands over the top were a specific strength, but Wardley's own backhand remained a risk.

The fight looked to be waning in the eighth before it burst back into life and swung clearly back in Wardley's favor in the 10th.

He made sure his amazing story would get another chapter against Usyk when he attacked Parker in the 11th with a barrage of shots which compelled Foster to intervene.

It may have been early but Wardley will contend that Parker was taking substantial punishment.

Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley?

Usyk applied for a medical exemption to delay his compulsory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his representative Serge Lapin recently verified that the undefeated champion was prepared to face the successful fighter of this bout.

Warren will now look to organize 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 raw and his ascent to this position has been considerably fast tracked.

But now he is in a situation to face the finest heavyweight of this generation 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 fighting at the elite level.

He took a huge risk here and his chances of winning back a portion of the world heavyweight crown have been reduced.