Boxing
Heavyweight Boxing Odds: Punters back Wardley despite Parker favouritism ahead of showdown
William Hill have reported that the early money is coming in for Fabio Wardley to upset the odds in Saturday night’s WBO interim heavyweight title fight against Joseph Parker at The O2.
Despite Parker being the clear favourite at 2/7, punters appear to be siding with the underdog, who is 11/4 to extend his unbeaten record and claim the biggest victory of his career so far. Wardley enters the bout with a record of 19-0-1 and a growing reputation in British boxing, but Parker is no average opponent to face.
The New Zealander is vastly experienced at the elite level, having shared the ring with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce and Deontay Wilder. Now fighting under trainer Andy Lee, Parker has enjoyed a resurgence over the past 18 months, stringing together a series of impressive wins that have restored his position as one of the heavyweight division’s top contenders.
Even so, the betting trends suggest that Wardley’s unbeaten run and knockout power are proving tempting to punters looking for value. His combination of youth, confidence and momentum has convinced some bettors that he could be ready to make the jump from domestic level to the world stage.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “Saturday night’s dust-up between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley looks to be a mouthwatering match-up, and despite Parker’s overwhelming favouritism in the betting, Wardley is the fighter we have taken early money for.
“Despite that, Parker is considered a 2/7 shot in the bout, while the unbeaten Wardley is the 11/4 underdog for the fight.
“Derek Chisora has come out this week to say he’s backing the Brit to spring a surprise at The O2, and it seems our punters also like the look of Wardley at his current odds.”
Latest Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley Odds:
*Odds accurate at time of writing
Saturday’s clash will represent a battle of experience against rising ambition. Joseph Parker, 32, is one of the most seasoned heavyweights on the circuit, having shared the ring with some of the division’s biggest names, including Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, and Deontay Wilder. The New Zealander has rebuilt his career impressively since his 2022 loss to Joe Joyce, stringing together a series of strong performances that have re-established him as a serious title contender.
On the other hand, Fabio Wardley, represents the new era of British heavyweights looking to break through on the world stage. The Ipswich-born fighter is known for his power and composure, and remains unbeaten having continued to impress since claiming the British heavyweight title in 2022.
While Parker’s pedigree and experience make him the clear betting favourite, Wardley’s has fuelled confidence among bettors that he can pull off a shock victory. The endorsement of heavyweight veteran Derek Chisora, who publicly tipped Wardley to win earlier this week, has only added fuel to the fire.
