Various active fighters and respected boxing figures have given their Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley predictions for Saturday’s heavyweight dust-up.
Parker vs Wardley headlines at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night, live exclusively on DAZN PPV. With so much riding on the fight, the winner will likely face undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk next.
With that in mind, here at SportsCasting we have complied numerous Parker vs Wardley predictions into one place ahead of Saturday’s colossal heavyweight showdown.
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley Predictions
Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley takes centre-stage on Saturday, October 25 in what is a compelling heavyweight match-up between two of the world’s best in the division.
Saturday’s main event is also a final eliminator for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO World Heavyweight Title, meaning the winner will be in line to face the great Ukrainian next.
Usyk is top 3 in most people’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings, so a fight with the two-weight undisputed king is a the enormous carrot dangling in front of both men ahead of the weekend.
So much is riding on Parker vs Wardley, with both men putting it all on the line. Parker could have waited about for his shot at world honours given his recent wins, but has decided to take on a dangerous opponent instead.
The same can be said for Wardley, who is daring to be great against a former world champion and one of the best active heavyweight’s on the planet.
Given the size of the fight and the fact it is a DAZN PPV headliner, a whole host of fighters, pundits and boxing afficionados have given their Parker vs Wardley picks for this mammoth heavyweight clash.
This includes world cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia, former world champions Tony Bellew and Carl Frampton, as well as Eddie Hearn, Ben Whittaker, Derek Chisora, Dave Allen and many more.
Below are a wide range of Parker vs Wardley predictions from highly respected names in boxing and fighters who know a thing or two about winning big fights.
Parker vs Wardley Predictions and Industry Picks
Eddie Hearn
One man who knows a thing or two about boxing is Matchroom Boxing chairman and leading British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn will likely be a keen observer on Saturday night as Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley do battle, with Parker a potential opponent for Anthony Joshua’s return next year.
The 46-year-old knows Wardley very well having previously promoted him, and has also worked closely with Parker on multiple occasions. With that in mind, the boxing promoter has first-hand experience of both fighters.
Hearn’s Parker vs Wardley prediction is one he favours the former world heavyweight champion in, insisting that this could be too much, too soon for Wardley:
“I think it’s a huge jump up for Wardley, who by the way deserves a massive amount of credit,” Hearn told Sky Sports Boxing in a recent interview.
“People say he was lucky against Justis Huni but I don’t think you can ever be lucky when you knock someone out, but he was getting well beaten and was four, five minutes away from losing a lopsided decision.
“But he carries great power. He knocked out Frazer Clarke in a round. This is a different kind of step up against a guy with massive experience and massive form, but Fabio has big cojones, and he will be live in all fights because he’s not afraid to let his hands go.
“I think it’s a step too far for him in the form that Joseph’s in. But he’s definitely live in the fight,” Hearn concluded.
Jai Opetaia
Jai Opetaia is widely regarded as the best cruiserweight fighter on the planet right now. The Australian is a two-time IBF champion, as well as currently holding The Ring belt.
The 30-year-old is preparing for his own fight in December, where he’ll be looking to further solidify himself as the #1 fighter at 200-pounds. Opetaia’s record is currently 28-0, with the Aussie hoping to keep up his undefeated streak going into the New Year.
Prior to his own world title battle in December, Opetaia has weighed-in with his very own Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley prediction for Saturday’s heavyweight match-up.
Opetaia is siding with his fellow Australasian, picking the New Zealander to win inside the distance:
“That’s a cracker of a fight. Obviously I’m backing Parker. I believe that Parker boxes well, he fights well, he’s smart and has got good hand speed for a heavyweight. I believe he wins,” Opetaia revealed to Boxing News.
Derek Chisora
Derek Chisora’s Parker vs Wardley prediction is a bullish one, with the former world heavyweight title challenger siding with his fellow Brit to win inside the distance.
Although Fabio Wardley is a firm underdog with boxing betting sites for this contest, Chisora feels that he will rise to the occasions and pull another dramatic knockout out of the bag against Joseph Parker on Saturday night:
“I feel like Wardley wins this fight with a knockout,” Chisora revealed to British Boxing News.
“I don’t know why I’m thinking it but you know when you know. It’s like when you play the Lottery and you get your numbers right. I believe Fabio has got his numbers right now. After his last performance he’s got something to prove.
“I’ve known Fabio for a while, Fabio is a little beast. Joseph is a beast as well but Fabio Wardley will win this fight by knockout. Trust me on this. Put your house on this deal. It’s going to be electric,” concluded ‘Del Boy’.
Zhilei Zhang
As a man who has shared the ring with Joseph Parker before, Zhilei Zhang knows first-hand how good a fighter the New Zealander is.
The 42-year-old heavyweight veteran was beaten via decision by Parker, but did have the former world champion down on the deck at one stage.
Although Zhang hasn’t shared a ring with Wardley, he feels that Parker is the superior fighter of the two.
Speaking to BoxNation, the 31-3-1 heavyweight juggernaut revealed he is leaning towards his former foe Parker in this WBO world title eliminator:
“I’ve been in the ring with Joseph Parker, I’m slightly favouring Parker in this fight. I believe his overall ability is a level above Fabio Wardley,” Zhang told BoxNation.
When asked for a specific method of victory, Zhang felt that the fight could well go the full 36-minutes:
“Probably by decision,” concluded the formidable Chinese heavyweight.
Guido Vianello
World heavyweight contender Guido Vianello may well have his eye on fighting the loser of Saturday’s Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley clash in London.
With the winner likely to challenge Oleksandr Usyk next, the loser will be thrown back into the mix of contenders to build their way back up the ranks. Vianello is one of those fighters who has done the same, with the Italian heavyweight eyeing a clash with either man next year.
‘The Gladiator’ has already beaten the likes of Arslanbek Makhmudov and Alexis Barriere, with 2026 perhaps a breakthrough year for him if he gets the right fights.
Given he will be keeping a watchful eye over proceedings at the O2 Arena this weekend, the Italian heavyweight has been asked for his pre-fight thoughts for the Parker vs Wardley match-up.
Vianello’s Parker vs Wardley prediction is a confident one, with ‘The Gladiator’ firmly siding with the New Zealander for Saturday’s DAZN PPV main event:
“I love Joseph. I think that he’s stronger, he’s faster [than Wardley],” Vianello revealed in a recent interview with Pro Boxing Fans.
“Parker right now is in the top three. Usyk, Moses [Itauma], and Parker. So Parker is a top guy, he deserves a title shot,” concluded the world heavyweight contender.
Dave Allen
Dave Allen’s Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley prediction is a decisive one, with ‘The White Rhino’ feeling fairly strongly about how the fight will play out.
Although Allen respects Wardley massively and thinks he’s a quality fighter, the Yorkshireman feels that Parker is levels above and will prove it in the ring at the weekend.
Speaking in a recent interview with Boxing News, Allen gave a short and sweet answer when asked for his Parker vs Wardley prediction:
“I think Parker will stop Wardley. Too experienced and too good.” Allen revealed in a recent interview with Boxing News.
Frazer Clarke
British heavyweight contender Frazer Clarke has also weighed-in with his Parker vs Wardley prediction and overall thoughts.
As someone who has shared a ring with Wardley on two occasions, Clarke knows exactly what the undefeated heavyweight powerhouse is all about.
Clarke and Wardley battled to a draw in their first fight in March 2024, with Wardley then winning the rematch with a chilling knockout inside a round seven months later.
Clarke had to undergo surgery after his brutal KO loss to Wardley last October, but has since bounced back with a knockout win of his own over Ebenezer Tetteh.
The former GB Olympian has experienced first hand exactly what Wardley’s power is all about, and admits you can never write him off. That being said, Clarke feels Parker is rightfully the favourite:
“It’s a good fight. I think Parker will go in as favourite for various reasons but you can’t ever write Wardley off. I know what he does more than anyone so you can’t write him off,” Clarke told Boxing News.
Lawrence Okolie
Lawrence Okolie will be keeping a keen eye on Saturday’s main event at the O2 Arena, given the fact he is now competing in the heavyweight division.
With that in mind, Okolie’s Parker vs Wardley prediction is a fairly indecisive one, with the former world champion making a case for both me.
That being said, ‘The Sauce’ is siding with the New Zealander to get the job done and to use his superior boxing ability to get over the line:
“When I look at those two and how they match up with each other, it depends on how accurate Fabio is on the day. I think that stylistically he has struggled with boxers, so boxers give him a lot of trouble,” Okolie told BoxNation.
“I do favour Parker cause I don’t think Wardley’s going to be able to one shot KO him and I don’t think he’s going to be able to live with him boxing-wise.
“However, if he does get the shots off accuracy wise he’s got more than enough intent and intensity to force a stoppage,” Okolie concluded.
Ben Whittaker
Ben Whittaker is the 11th most followed boxer on Instagram, making him one of the most popular fighters in the world despite still being a relative newcomer to the pro game.
The Englishman recently signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, and is set to make his debut on November 29th in Birmingham.
‘The Surgeon’ is coached by the great Andy Lee, who also happens to be Parker’s trainer. Lee also coaches the likes of Hamzah Sheeraz and Paddy Donovan in his gym in Ireland.
With that in mind, it comes as no surprise to learn that Whittaker is siding with his team mate with his Parker vs Wardley pick for Saturday’s huge heavyweight clash.
Speaking in interview to Boxing News, ‘The Surgeon’ gave his Parker vs Wardley prediction and an honest assessment of how he sees the fight playing out:
“Tough fight. Fabio can bang but I just feel like Parker is in a decent part of his career now. He’s sharp, he’s got momentum, he’s winning, he’s confident and a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter.
“Obviously I’m rooting for my teammate but it’s a tough fight,” concluded Whittaker.
Tony Bellew
Tony Bellew’s Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley prediction is one that will be analysed by boxing fans this weekend.
The former WBC World Cruiserweight Champion isn’t afraid to put his neck on the line and give his honest opinion on fights, which is exactly what he’s done this weekend for Parker vs Wardley.
Speaking in a recent interview with FightLens, Bellew share his thoughts on how he feels Saturday’s main event will play out at the O2 Arena.
Although ‘The Bomber’ touched on the fact that you can never write Wardley off because of his power, he is siding with Parker to get the job done and use his experience to win the fight:
“If I was managing Fabio Wardley, I don’t think he’s ready for this fight. I think the Justis Huni fight showed that,” Bellew told FightLens.
“He just needs a few more rounds against a bit better opposition. Maybe even a Jermaine Franklin fight makes more sense for Fabio Wardley.
“You’ve got to remember Fabio Wardley comes from a white collar background with very little amateur experience. And it shows, because Huni is outboxing him thoroughly, he’s winning most rounds.
“But then as I’ve said before, Fabio Wardley has that equaliser,” the ‘Bomber’ concluded.
Carl Frampton
As a former two-weight world champion, Carl Frampton certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to the sport of boxing.
The Northern Irishman now works as a pundit for DAZN, and will be at ringside on Saturday night for the huge Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley clash.
With that in mind, Frampton’s Parker vs Wardley prediction is one that will be highly respected. ‘The Jackal’ feels that Parker is most definitely the favourite, but that you simply cannot write off a concussive puncher like Wardley:
“I’s a really good fight. Big Wardley is always in a fight because he carries dynamite throughout,” Frampton revealed to Boxing News.
“We saw that in the Justis Huni win where he was being comprehensively beaten, but did the business to finish it. He’s dangerous and he’s dangerous all the way through the fight.
“But Joseph Parker has improved immensely over the last couple of years. Although he’s been inactive for a while through no fault of his own, he’s the big favourite.
“I wouldn’t rule Fabio out. He’s a puncher, he’s dangerous and he always has a chance,” Frampton concluded when giving his Parker vs Wardley prediction.
Hamzah Sheeraz
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Christian Mbilli is confirmed for a huge super-middleweight clash early next year, with the British talent eying world honours at 168-pounds in 2026.
After emphatically knocking out Edgar Berlanga last time out on his super-middleweight debut, Sheeraz is being tipped to finally get his hands on a world title at the second attempt, this time up a weight.
Sheeraz controversially drew with Carlos Adames for the WBC World Middleweight Title earlier this year, but looked like a completely new man last time out after moving up one division.
The 26-year-old is trained by Andy Lee, who is of course Joseph Parker’s long-term coach too. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise to learn that Sheeraz’s Parker vs Wardley prediction is in favour of his training partner and friend:
“Both didn’t need to take the fight, did they? It just goes to show what type of fighting men they really are,” Sheeraz told Boxing News.
“Joe needed this fight, it’s been a long time since he last fought. Without sounding disrespectful to Fabio, it’s a good fight for Joe.
“It’s dangerous because they’re heavyweight and anything goes, but I feel Joe is too experienced, too smart and too sharp,” concluded the world super-middleweight contender.
Jeamie TKV
Jeamie TKV will face Frazer Clarke for the vacant British Heavyweight Title on November 29th with the fight being postponed due to a minor injury on his side.
Frazer Clarke vs Jeamie TKV will headline the first Boxxer show broadcast live on the BBC, which now happens to be the same night as Ben Whittaker’s Matchroom debut in Birmingham.
Ben Shalom’s Boxxer new broadcast deal with the BBC will see boxing on mainstream terrestrial TV between Strictly Come Dancing and Match of the Day, with peak viewership expected.
Prior to that fight, Tshikeva has weighed-in with his prediction for Saturday’s Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley heavyweight showdown at the O2 Arena.
The English heavyweight is backing his fellow Brit to get the job done this weekend against the former world champion, despite Wardley being a substantial underdog with boxing betting sites.
“I think Fabio beats him. The way he fights, he’s intense, throws a lot of shots so even if he doesn’t knock him out I feel like Fabio could actually win on points,” revealed Jeamie TKV in interview with Boxing News.
