Joseph Parker finalising fight with unbeaten Brit as he awaits Oleksandr Usyk response

A heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley is reportedly on the verge of being finalised.

The pair are set to meet on October 25 at London’s O2 Arena, according to Ring Magazine.

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WBO mandatory Parker is currently waiting to hear whether he will get a crack at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The WBO recently ordered Usyk to defend his belts against the Kiwi.

However, the Ukrainian’s team have requested an extension on negotiations due to an apparent injury.

As a result, Parker will look to stay busy by battling Wardley on away soil.

Wardley (18-0-1) last fought in June, where he scored a dramatic come-from-behind knockout win over Justis Huni in his hometown of Ipswich.

The heavy-handed Brit had lost almost every single round before he detonated a massive right hand on Huni’s chin in the 10th round.

In doing so, he picked up the WBA interim heavyweight title, but he will now look to advance his position with another major sanctioning body by locking horns with the reigning WBO interim champion.

By the time Parker and Wardley meet in the English capital, it could be for the full WBO belt.

The WBO recently demanded an updated medical report after a video emerged online of Usyk dancing at an event while he is supposed to be nursing a back injury.

If Usyk were to be stripped of the red and gold strap for whatever reason, then Parker would be upgraded to full champion.

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On the other hand, if Usyk is granted an extension before fulfilling his mandatory obligation, then the winner of Parker vs Wardley would be next in line to face him for all the marbles.

Either way, it is a win-win situation for Wardley, who has been frustratingly shut out of the WBA title picture.

Wardley was expected to face Kubrat Pulev for the lesser WBA ‘regular’ belt.

However, the Bulgarian will instead defend his title against Michael Hunter on October 4.

A clash with Parker is a far more appealing proposition than Pulev, but it comes with a much greater risk.

Parker (36-3) is one of the most in-form fighters on the planet right now, coming in fresh off a trio of impressive wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole.