Assured Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Less Compared to Heavier Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Parker (on the left) has a six-match victory run, and stoppage expert Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in twenty pro bouts.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Venue: The O2, London Event Date: Weekend, October 25
Coverage: Follow live text commentary and listen through BBC Sounds and mobile application starting at 20:30 BST before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10:00 PM.
Parker weighed almost 20lb more compared to Fabio Wardley as both big men presented confident poses - although in opposing ways - ahead of Saturday's feature bout in London.
From New Zealand Joseph Parker places his interim WBO title and shot to fight for the global championship at stake facing the unbeaten Wardley at the London venue.
Reigning division king Oleksandr Usyk has signalled his intention to retain his championship titles facing the victor.
"This is it. This means the ultimate," stated a serious but focused Wardley, 30, at Friday's weigh-in.
The British contender - who holds the WBA 'interim' belt - weighed in at seventeen stone five pounds, consistent with his recent bouts.
"This is the one prior to the ultimate challenge. All the work is completed. Preparation is wrapped up. The intense training is done. Let's get some rest now. Huge occasion tomorrow," he stated further.
The historic venue in the capital's east saw more than market goods on the weighing platform as the two boxers faced off for the ultimate face-off ahead of the bout.
Parker gave a wink at the photographers and moved along to the tunes.
Showing off his muscles, he appeared powerful and strong as he tipped the scales at 18st 10lb, only 5lb below than his career-heaviest.
This represents a significant difference from the sixteen stone twelve pound version who surrendered his world title to Joshua in 2018.
"We are alert, we are careful, but I plan to respond with equal force and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker said.
I'm at a different level and will overpower him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, sporting an football shirt, kept a straight face, greeted the audience, but looked focused.
He may be the lighter guy, Fabio Wardley has superb KO strength. He produced a dramatic turnaround facing Justis Huni in June, down on the official tallies prior to stopping his rival in the final round although being outclassed for much of the contest.
"Joseph Parker, his corner and the sport's followers will learn I am meant to be at the top of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley affirmed.
"Every opponent has been the one critics predict will beat me. This is that fight. He's superior speed, swift, too experienced. But I haven't been beaten so far, and no one will change tomorrow night."
