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Fabio Wardley secured a major upset to wreck Joseph Parker's aspirations of becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday and put himself in line for a opportunity at unbeaten champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Impressive Comeback Victory

The English fighter is now the number one contender for the Ukrainian after he claimed a remarkable comeback victory by ending the veteran New Zealander in the penultimate round of an thrilling and bruising battle at London's O2 Arena.

Wardley, 30, secured the WBO 'interim' title when he forced referee Howard Foster to halt the bout as he attacked ex world champion Parker, who had been seriously injured in the 10th by a straight uppercut.

Dramatic Celebration

The Ipswich native brought the crowd to their feet and fell to the floor in triumph as his support crew rushed into the ring to rejoice.

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

Questioned Stoppage

There was an discussion that the stoppage was early, especially given Parker had controlled for large parts of the fight and damaged Wardley multiple occasions with straight rights.

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

Wardley's Post-Fight Comments

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

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

Decisive Round

It was a right-handed uppercut from Wardley in the 10th round which shifted the bout decisively back in benefit of the underdog.

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

Parker risked his position as the primary contender for Usyk's crown by taking this fight, dropping to his fourth professional defeat.

Promoter's Positive Outlook

Wardley's promoter Frank Warren informed DAZN: "Usyk declared he wants to do it, so that's what it will be. It's a 36-minute fight and it only requires one second from him."

Wardley's Extraordinary Journey Advances

It was a who's who 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 walked to the ring adorned in Ipswich Town colours with the football club's crest emblazoned on his kit.

Notable Career Progression

He remarked in the preparation how it was extraordinary that when Parker was claiming the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only participating in white-collar boxing.

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

Fight Description

With Lee in his corner, Parker was on a red-hot run coming into this bout of six victories including victories over the likes of Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder and Martin Bakole.

As chants of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' resounded around the arena, Parker gained control with a stiff of a jab that soon produced blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose.

The conclusion to the first three minutes was emphatic from the favorite 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 forerunner to what would follow later in the fight. It was a excellent shot and got 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 threatening, but Parker was landing the better shots through the intermediate 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 threat.

The fight looked to be waning in the eighth before it burst back into life and shifted decisively back in Wardley's favour in the 10th.

He made sure his stunning story would get another chapter against Usyk when he attacked Parker in the 11th with a volley of shots which forced Foster to step in.

It may have been quick but Wardley will claim that Parker was taking considerable punishment.

Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley?

Usyk requested a medical exemption to postpone his required defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his representative Serge Lapin recently affirmed that the perfect champion was ready to face the victor 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 raw and his rise to this standing has been substantially fast tracked.

But now he is in a place to challenge the finest heavyweight of this era which is a Hollywood-like tale.

Parker's Future Considerations

Parker will now have to thoughtfully think about his next step, given his age and how long he has been competing at the highest level.

He accepted a huge chance here and his prospects of winning back a piece of the world heavyweight crown have been diminished.