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Fabio Wardley achieved a massive upset to wreck Joseph Parker's aspirations of securing a two-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday and placed himself in contention for a chance at unbeaten champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Stunning Comeback Victory

The UK fighter is now the top contender for the Ukrainian after he earned a remarkable comeback victory by halting the veteran New Zealander in the 11th round of an thrilling and physical battle at London's O2 Arena.

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

Emotional Celebration

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

They were superb scenes as the ex white-collar boxer continued his remarkable rise in the pro circuit.

Questioned Stoppage

There was an argument that the stoppage was untimely, especially given Parker had controlled for significant portions of the fight and damaged Wardley repeatedly with straight rights.

But the 33-year-old New Zealander provided little objection when Foster stepped forward and his trainer Andy Lee did not look to protest as his man suffered his fourth pro defeat.

Wardley's Post-Fight Comments

"I stated all the way through this lead-up that we picked Joseph Parker because I believe I'm at the top and I proved I'm at the top," stated Wardley.

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

Critical Moment

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

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

Parker gambled his position as the number one contender for Usyk's title by taking this fight, falling to his fourth pro 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 takes one second from him."

Wardley's Incredible Journey Continues

It was a top names of the British heavyweight division 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 hues with the football club's emblem displayed on his kit.

Significant Career Progression

He spoke in the lead-up how it was remarkable that when Parker was winning the WBO heavyweight title in 2016, he was only competing in white-collar boxing.

Yet here he was on the same stage as the seasoned Kiwi in a fight to establish the next challenger for Usyk, the best heavyweight of this period.

Fight Breakdown

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

As cries of 'Oh Fabio Wardley' rang around the arena, Parker established control with a powerful of a jab that soon brought blood from the bridge of the Ipswich fighter's nose.

The end to the first three minutes was forceful from the favorite as Parker charged through with a powerful of a right hand.

Thrilling 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 shaky on his.

The expertise of Parker, in his fortieth pro fight, looked like it was going to be vital here. Wardley was always dangerous, but Parker was connecting the better shots through the middle rounds.

Closing 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 danger.

The fight seemed to be losing steam in the eighth before it burst back into life and turned firmly back in Wardley's benefit in the 10th.

He ensured his remarkable story would get another chapter against Usyk when he overwhelmed Parker in the 11th with a volley of shots which compelled Foster to intervene.

It may have been quick but Wardley will contend that Parker was taking significant punishment.

Usyk Showdown - What Next for Wardley?

Usyk sought a medical dispensation to postpone his compulsory defence of the WBO title because of a back injury, but his consultant Serge Lapin recently affirmed that the undefeated champion was prepared to face the winner of this bout.

Warren will now look to organize that fight next year for his man.

Rapid Ascent to the Top

With just twenty-one career fights on the back of no amateur background having emerged from the white-collar scene, Wardley is still raw and his climb to this level has been considerably fast tracked.

But now he is in a situation to take on the finest heavyweight of this generation which is a Hollywood-like tale.

Parker's Future Options

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

He undertook a massive risk here and his prospects of regaining a piece of the world heavyweight crown have been diminished.