Joseph Parker lost for the fourth time in his career as he was stopped by Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of their heavyweight showdown in London
Tyson Fury has backed Joseph Parker to bounce back from his defeat by Fabio Wardley.
Parker risked his guaranteed shot at undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk by taking on the unbeaten Brit – and came unstuck when he was stopped in the 11th round. Wardley will now go on to take on the Ukrainian, unless he decides to give up his belt, leaving Wardley as world champion by default.
But Fury, who was ringside amid speculation he will return to the ring next year, focused on former training partner Parker who slipped to a fourth career defeat. “The aftermath of a fantastic, fantastic fight between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley,” he said on social media.
“The fight was amazing, both fighters had a lot of success and I had Joe about four rounds up going into round 11. It’s heavyweight boxing, you can’t go swimming without getting wet and its a cliche, he got wet, the referee jumped in after a few unanswered shots and that’s all it takes.
“It’s one of those things; it’s heavyweight boxing, you can get caught and I know all about getting caught. One the whole it was an fantastic event, congratulations to Frank Warren and Queensberry for putting on a major event at the Or between two great heavyweights.
“Joseph Parker is going to come back stronger,I know that. Commiserations to my brother and all the team, everyone did a fantastic job. Everyone got home, got paid, got laid and got home in one piece and you can’t say fairer than that.”
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The fight was not without controversy, however, with referee Howard Foster criticised for what many perceived to be an early stoppage. Parker, however, was magnanimous in defeat. “Congratulations to Fabio Wardley for a tough fight,” he said. “A warrior, at the end of the fight, I thought I was fine, but I am not the ref.
“I wanted to carry on, of course.“It sucks to lose a fight, not pretending I’m happy, but life goes on. Boxing is what I do, but I’m blessed with kids and a family, regroup, then see what comes next. I don’t regret anything I do, boxing is just part of what I do, I’m blessed with a family and a wonderful team. It’s just a bump in the road. I felt good out there.”