Derek Chisora has hailed Fabio Wardley’s rise from amateur boxer to a world title contender as a quintessential Rocky story, one that would inspire anyone who loves underdog tales. Wardley, who will face Joseph Parker on Saturday in a live PPV broadcast on DAZN, has carved out a path that defies convention and mirrors the iconic storylines of the *Rocky* film series.

Wardley, now a professional boxer with a meteoric rise, began his career as an amateur fighter with no prior boxing background. He only entered the sport at the age of 20 after signing up for an unlicensed fight. Despite his lack of experience, he quickly made a name for himself on the white collar circuit, fighting in small venues in Ipswich. After just four bouts in this amateur circuit, Wardley transitioned to the professional ranks, where he has since become one of Britain’s most promising heavyweights.*Wardley is just one win away from a shot at the world titles. (Credit: Getty)*

Chisora, a veteran boxer himself, shared his admiration for Wardley during an appearance on SunSport’s *No Glove Lost* podcast. "It’s a great story because I’ve shared the ring with Fabio so many times," Chisora said. "I’ve sparred with him in Rotherham, with Don Charles in Finchley. I’ve tried to knock him down because that’s what the *Rocky* film series is all about. You know, when Rocky was trying it, and then suddenly he blew up? That’s exactly what Fabio’s done. Now he’s fighting for the eliminator for the WBO title, and trying to knock him down is pointless. He’s done amazing for himself and his family."

Wardley’s journey is indeed remarkable. Born without the typical amateur experience that most professional boxers have, he quickly learned the ropes by sparring with some of the sport’s biggest names, including Oleksandr Usyk and Dillian Whyte, who later became his manager. His tenacity and rapid improvement earned him respect in the boxing community, and he has since amassed a record of 18 knockouts in his 19 wins, with only a draw tarnishing his otherwise undefeated career.

 

 

Wardley’s next fight against Joseph Parker, set to take place at the O2 Arena on October 25, is expected to be one of the biggest boxing events of the year. Parker, widely regarded as one of the most in-form heavyweights in the sport, has won his last six fights, including notable victories over Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zhang, and Deontay Wilder. Wardley, on the other hand, has demonstrated his power and resilience, most recently in a comeback victory against Justis Huni.

The matchup between Parker and Wardley is not only a fight for a world title eliminator but also a battle of two distinctly different paths to success. Parker, with his polished amateur background and professional experience, contrasts with Wardley’s grassroots, underdog beginnings. The fight is being billed as one of the most anticipated heavyweight battles of the year, with implications that could redefine the landscape of the heavyweight division.

 

Wardley’s journey from an amateur boxer with no prior experience to a professional who is just one win away from a world title shot is a testament to his sheer determination and talent. As Chisora noted, Wardley’s story is one that could be plucked straight from the pages of a *Rocky* script. With the fight against Parker looming, Wardley has the opportunity to make history and solidify his place as one of the sport’s greatest underdog stories.

**Will Wardley’s Rocky-inspired journey continue, or will Parker’s experience prevail? Tune in to DAZN on October 25 to find out.**

### WATCH PARKER VS WARDLEY LIVE ON DAZN PPV
- **How to watch:** Stream the fight for £24.99 on DAZN PPV.
- **Undercard details:** Get all the information on the undercard fights and the full event lineup.
- **Latest news:** Updates on Parker’s preparation and Wardley’s strategy heading into the fight.

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#Boxing #Heavyweight #Derek Chisora #Joseph Parker #Fabio Wardley