Boxing Betting Tips: Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley
There’s lots riding on this one – you only need to look at the tagline for the fight to see that.
It’s been labelled “All Or Nothing” by the media, with the WBO interim belt on the line.
The winner is potentially in line for a money-spinning match-up with the undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The loser could be consigned to the sidelines of the heavyweight division, watching on as their victorious opponent gets their moment up in lights on the biggest stage. All Or Nothing feels apt.
Can Joseph Parker, 27/100 at the time of writing with BetMGM, continue his revitalisation under trainer Andy Lee and confirm his overwhelming favouritism? Or will Fabio Wardley spring a surprise and complete his fairytale rise up the rankings, maintaining his undefeated record in the process?
Below, we break down the prospects of each fighter ahead of the showdown.
Tip 1 – Joseph Parker to win by KO, TKO, or DQ @ 9/10
One way or another, this fight looks like it’ll be ended with someone counted out.
Parker has registered 24 knockouts in 36 wins across 39 bouts in his career. Wardley’s record is even more frightening, with 18 of his 19 wins coming by way of knockout.
However, we think the nous and improved technical ability of Parker since joining the Lee stable give him the tools to land a fight-ending punch.
Last time out, he made light work of the dangerous and powerful Martin Bakole - a late-notice replacement for Daniel Dubois in a slated IBF title showdown back in February - winning with a glancing overhand right that caught his opponent on the side of the head.
It was a sixth straight win for the New Zealander and he has his sights firmly set on becoming a two-time heavyweight champion.
If he gets the job done, we think it will be because of some traditional Parker Power.
Tip 2 – Joseph Parker to win in rounds 1-6 @ 6/1
We are backing the Kiwi to get the job done via knockout and we also think he could get it done quickly.
In each of his last four wins by way of knockout, he got it done before the start of round six.
Parker is a fast starter and likes to get busy in the early rounds before easing into the mid-to-late stages of the fight and loading up in rounds 11 and 12.
Wardley is yet to be tested by a fighter of Parker’s class. It’s easily the biggest fight of his career.
If he gets overwhelmed, then a first-half stoppage could be on the cards.
We’re picking Parker to finish it before the final bell tolls and his recent performances suggest it could be sooner rather than later.
At 6/1, it looks good value.
Tip 3 – Fabio Wardley to win by KO, TKO, or DQ @ 24/5
If Wardley is to cause a stunning upset, there’s only one way he’s going to do it. Mainly because it’s the only way he knows how.
A record of 18-1-0 with 18 knockouts speaks for itself. Natural power and strength mean Wardley does pose a threat to Parker, no matter how remote the chances of him winning are.
If you’re not convinced by the New Zealander and fancy hitching your wagon to the Wardley fairytale, this could be the bet for you.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation