Self-assured Fabio Wardley Weighs Twenty Pounds Less Than Bulky Parker
On-a-roll Parker (left) boasts a six-fight victory run, and knockout expert Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in 20 career contests.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Location: London's O2 Arena, the capital Event Date: This Saturday, the 25th of October
Broadcast Details: Catch live text commentary and audio coverage on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and app from 8:30 PM BST then transitioning to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
The New Zealand fighter registered nearly 20lb more compared to the British boxer as each top fighters displayed assured poses - although in contrasting ways - for Saturday's headliner in the UK.
Kiwi Joseph Parker places his WBO 'interim' belt and chance to fight for the global championship at stake facing the unbeaten Wardley at the London venue.
Undisputed division king Oleksandr Usyk has made clear his plan to retain his world titles versus the winner.
"It all comes down to this. It signifies the ultimate," said a determined but focused Fabio Wardley, thirty, at Friday's scale ceremony.
The British contender - who holds the WBA interim strap - weighed in at seventeen stone five pounds, consistent with his previous matches.
"This contest before the ultimate challenge. All the work is completed. Preparation is wrapped up. All the hard work is accomplished. Let's get some relaxation now. Big night ahead," he added.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end witnessed not just typical items on the measure as the both heavyweights faced off for the final time ahead of the main event.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the camera and swayed along to the beat.
Flexing his muscles, he seemed hefty and forceful as he registered at eighteen stone ten pounds, just a handful of pounds below than his career-heaviest.
This represents a far cry from the 16st 12lb fighter who surrendered his championship to AJ in 2018.
"We are alert, we are wary, but I will to fight fire with fire and I intend to connect with him," Parker declared.
I have reached a different level and will overpower him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, dressed in an football shirt, held a focused look, nodded to the audience, but seemed focused.
Despite being the smaller man, Fabio Wardley has superb KO strength. He staged a thrilling recovery facing his opponent in the summer, behind on the scorecards before defeating his rival in the final round although being outboxed for most of the fight.
"His opponent, his camp and boxing fans will find out I am destined to be at the top of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley said.
"Each rival has been the boxer experts say will overcome me. This is that fight. He's too quick, too fast, highly seasoned. But I remain unbeaten so far, and no challenge will alter tomorrow night."
