Assured Fabio Wardley Weighs Twenty Pounds Below Compared to Bulky Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Parker (left) is on a six-bout winning streak, and stoppage expert Wardley remains unbeaten in 20 professional fights.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Location: The O2, the capital Date: Saturday, the 25th of October
Coverage: Follow live text commentary and audio coverage on the BBC Sport website and app starting at 8:30 PM BST prior to moving to BBC 5 Live from 22:00.
Parker stepped onto the scales almost twenty pounds above compared to Fabio Wardley as the two heavyweights presented confident appearances - albeit in different ways - for this weekend's main event in London.
From New Zealand Parker will put his interim WBO title and opportunity to fight for the world title up for grabs against the undefeated Fabio Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Reigning top heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk has made clear his intention to defend his four belts against the victor.
"It all comes down to this. It signifies the ultimate," remarked a focused but concentrated Fabio Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday pre-fight ritual.
The Ipswich fighter - the holder of the interim WBA title - weighed in at 17st 5lb, matching his latest fights.
"This contest prior to the ultimate challenge. Every effort is finished. Training is ticked off. The intense training is put in. Time for some downtime now. Major event coming up," he continued.
Spitalfields Market in the capital's east hosted more than typical items on the weighing platform as the pair of boxers faced off for the final time ahead of the main event.
Joseph Parker flashed a wink at the lenses and swayed along to the music.
As he flexed his strength, he looked powerful and powerful as he weighed in at 18st 10lb, merely a handful of pounds lighter than his heaviest ever.
This represents a far cry from the sixteen stone twelve pound fighter who lost his world title to AJ in the year 2018.
"We are alert, we are careful, but I'm going to fight fire with fire and I intend to connect with him," Joseph Parker stated.
I'm at a higher plane and will dominate him - Parker
Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich Town jersey, maintained a focused look, nodded to the fans, but seemed zoned in.
Despite being the smaller man, Wardley has superb knockout power. He produced a remarkable comeback against his opponent in the summer, trailing on the judges' cards then defeating his rival in the final round even though being outmaneuvered for much of the bout.
"Parker, his team and boxing fans are about to discover I belong to be at the peak of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley stated.
"Each rival has been the boxer pundits say will overcome me. Here we are again. He is superior speed, too fast, highly seasoned. However My record is perfect so far, and no challenge will change tomorrow night."
