Eddie Hearn has made his prediction for Saturday’s crunch heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley.
Hearn has promoted both Parker and Wardley in the past, but the pair are now with Frank Warren.
Parker’s WBO interim title is on the line at the O2 Arena and Hearn has backed the New Zealander to overcome his rival by late stoppage.
“I think Parker wins by stoppage,” Hearn told Pro Boxing Fans.
“Between rounds eight and 10.
“But Fabio is a good fighter, he’s very dangerous and I wish them both luck.
“Two great lads.”
Victory for either man is likely to lead to a shot at undisputed champion, Oleksandr, Usyk who has been ordered to face the winner and confirmed last week that he will continue fighting for three more years.
The Ukrainian was given a 90-day extension on negotiations to face Parker after reclaiming the undisputed crown with a fifth round knockout of Daniel Dubois in their July rematch.
Parker, who previously held the WBO title, has won his last seven on the bounce including a second round stoppage over Martin Bakole in his last bout in February and is a heavy favourite to emerge victorious on Saturday.
Wardley, 30, secured the WBA interim belt with a dramatic 10th round knockout of Justis Huni in his hometown of Ipswich in June, when trailing on the scorecards.
Parker was already world champion when Wardley turned professional in 2017 and the 33-year-old admits he is looking to show he is far beyond his rival’s level.
“I do feel that I’m levels above Fabio and that’s what I want to show on Saturday night,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve fought everyone there is and I want to go out there and show the level that I’m at compared to where he’s at.
“I’ve achieved a lot in the world of boxing, being world champion and fought all the big names but I feel like I’m only coming into my prime now and I feel like this is my time now to take over.”
