Heavyweight boxing was rocked by controversy on Saturday night as Fabio Wardley's victory over former world champion Joseph Parker ended amid a storm of protest over what many are calling one of the most questionable stoppages in recent memory.
A Battle of Titans Turns Sour
The highly anticipated clash between British champion Wardley and New Zealand's Parker delivered explosive action from the opening bell, with both fighters trading heavy blows in a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. The back-and-forth warfare saw momentum shift repeatedly, setting the stage for what should have been a classic heavyweight encounter.
The Controversial Moment
In the later rounds, with both fighters showing visible damage and fatigue, referee John Smith stepped in to wave off the contest, awarding Wardley a stoppage victory that immediately drew boos from the capacity crowd. Replays showed Parker still on his feet and seemingly capable of continuing, raising immediate questions about the referee's intervention.
"One of the worst stoppages I've seen in a major fight," declared veteran boxing analyst Mike Costello on commentary. "Parker was hurt, but he was defending himself and deserved the opportunity to continue."
Scoring Scrutiny Adds to Controversy
Compounding the controversy were the official scorecards leading up to the stoppage. While most neutral observers had the fight closely contested, one judge's card showed a surprisingly wide margin in Wardley's favour, raising eyebrows among boxing insiders.
Former world champion Tony Bellew expressed his dismay: "When you combine a premature stoppage with questionable scoring, it creates the perfect storm for controversy. This does nothing for the sport's credibility."
Fallout and Future Implications
The Parker camp has announced they will formally protest the result, while the British Boxing Board of Control faces mounting pressure to review the officiating. Social media has erupted with criticism, with #BoxingCorruption trending across platforms as fans voice their frustration.
For Wardley, what should have been the defining victory of his career now comes with an asterisk, while Parker's comeback trajectory faces an unexpected setback. The boxing world now awaits the official response from governing bodies as questions about judging standards and referee competence take centre stage once again.
