David Adeleye has shared his experiences of being in the ring with both Fabio Wardley and Joseph Parker before delivering his verdict on their upcoming clash.
Parker and Wardley come to blows this weekend in what is a significant step up for the Brit. The former white collar boxer from Ipswich has risen through the pro ranks impressively, beating the likes of Adeleye, Eric Molina and Frazer Clarke by KO. Last time out, he stopped Justis Huni in the tenth after looking on his way to a points loss.
Parker is a more established talent who can use his experience to negate heavy hitters, as he did when he outpointed both Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder. He also has knockout power, demonstrating that against Martin Bakole last time out.
Speaking on Sun Sport’s boxing podcast, No Glove Lost, Adeleye, who was stopped by Wardley in 2023 and has sparred New Zealand’s Parker, compared his experiences sharing the ring with both men.
“I’ve been in there with both of them. I’ve been in the ring with Wardley when I fought, and I’ve been sparring with Parker before. When it comes to being a well-rounded athlete, Parker is better. Wardley’s got zap, Parker’s got power. Parker’s way more regimented, he knows what he’s doing, he throws the right shots, he’s on balance all the time, Wardley is a bit more unconventional, he throws a shot and you might not see it.”
He was then pushed for a prediction.
“I say Parker late. I think he’s going to tee up on him and get the stoppage. But if Parker isn’t on the ball and makes a mistake, he’ll be in trouble.”
Whoever comes out on top will be next in line to face undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk, who recently confirmed his interest in honouring the mandatory challenge.
