Self-assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Below Than Bulky Parker
On-a-roll Parker (left) is on a six-bout unbeaten stretch, and stoppage specialist Fabio Wardley is undefeated in twenty pro bouts.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Location: O2 Arena, London Fight Night: This Saturday, 25 October
Live Updates: Catch round-by-round coverage and audio coverage through BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application starting at 20:30 BST before switching to national radio from 10 PM BST.
Parker registered nearly twenty pounds above compared to his opponent as both top fighters cut self-assured poses - albeit in opposing styles - ahead of this weekend's feature bout in the UK.
From New Zealand Parker places his interim WBO title and chance to fight for the undisputed crown up for grabs versus the perfect Fabio Wardley at the London venue.
Unified heavyweight champion the champion has made clear his aim to protect his championship titles against the victor.
"This is the moment. It signifies the ultimate," remarked a focused but zoned-in Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday scale ceremony.
The British contender - the holder of the WBA interim strap - registered at 110 kg, consistent with his previous matches.
"This contest before the ultimate challenge. All preparation is done. Preparation is wrapped up. The grueling sessions is put in. Time for some relaxation now. Big night tomorrow," he continued.
Spitalfields Market in east London hosted more than market goods on the weighing platform as the two fighters faced off for the final time before fight night.
Parker winked at the camera and swayed along to the tunes.
Flexing his muscles, he looked imposing and forceful as he weighed in at 18st 10lb, merely five pounds below than his heaviest ever.
This marks a major change from the sixteen stone twelve pound fighter who surrendered his world title to Joshua in the year 2018.
"We are cautious, we are wary, but I will to respond with equal force and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker said.
I'm at a different level and will dominate him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, wearing an Ipswich top, maintained a serious expression, nodded to the fans, but looked zoned in.
He may be the lighter guy, Wardley has superb KO strength. He produced a thrilling recovery facing his opponent in the summer, down on the official tallies prior to defeating his opponent in the tenth round despite being outboxed for the majority of the bout.
"Joseph Parker, his corner and the sport's followers will learn I am meant to be at the peak of this division," Fabio Wardley said.
"Every opponent has been the fighter experts claim will defeat me. This is the one. He is too quick, rapid, vastly experienced. But I haven't been beaten so far, and no challenge will alter on fight night."
