Self-assured Fabio Wardley Weighs 20lb Lighter Than Bulky Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Joseph Parker (on the left) has a six-fight unbeaten stretch, and knockout specialist Wardley is undefeated in 20 career contests.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Fight Location: The O2, the capital Event Date: Saturday, the 25th of October
Broadcast Details: Follow round-by-round coverage and listen on BBC Sounds and app starting at half past eight UK time prior to moving to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
Parker registered approximately twenty pounds heavier than Fabio Wardley as both top fighters presented assured appearances - albeit in contrasting styles - ahead of this weekend's feature bout in the UK.
Kiwi Parker places his WBO interim championship and chance to compete for the world title at stake facing the undefeated Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Undisputed division king the champion has made clear his intention to protect his championship titles versus the winner.
"This is it. It signifies the ultimate," said a focused but focused Wardley, 30, at the Friday scale ceremony.
The British contender - possessing the WBA 'interim' belt - registered at 17st 5lb, matching his previous matches.
"This is the one before the big one. All the work is finished. Preparation is ticked off. All the hard work is done. Let's get some relaxation now. Huge occasion coming up," he added.
The historic venue in east London hosted not just fresh produce on the scales as the two boxers confronted each other for the final time prior to the bout.
Parker flashed a wink at the photographers and bobbed along to the beat.
Showing off his physique, he seemed powerful and powerful as he tipped the scales at eighteen stone ten pounds, just 5lb less than his heaviest ever.
This marks a major change from the 16st 12lb iteration who lost his belt to Joshua in 2018.
"We are cautious, we are careful, but I plan to match him blow for blow and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker said.
I operate on a different level and will overpower him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, sporting an Ipswich Town jersey, kept a serious expression, greeted the crowd, but looked zoned in.
Despite being the smaller man, Wardley has superb knockout power. He delivered a thrilling turnaround facing Justis Huni in last June, behind on the judges' cards then defeating his foe in the tenth round although being outboxed for the majority of the contest.
"Parker, his corner and boxing fans will find out I belong to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley stated.
"Each rival has been the fighter critics claim will beat me. Here we are again. He's superior speed, swift, vastly experienced. But My record is perfect so far, and no one will shift in the ring."
