Confident Wardley Weighs 20lb Below Compared to Bulky Parker
In-form Parker (on the left) has a six-match victory run, while stoppage expert Fabio Wardley remains unbeaten in 20 professional fights.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Fight Location: London's O2 Arena, London Event Date: This Saturday, the 25th of October
Live Updates: Catch real-time updates and live radio via BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application from 20:30 BST then transitioning to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
The New Zealand fighter stepped onto the scales almost twenty pounds heavier compared to his opponent as each heavyweights displayed self-assured poses - although in contrasting manners - leading up to the Saturday main event in London.
New Zealand's Parker places his WBO interim championship and shot to compete for the undisputed crown on the line facing the perfect Fabio Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Unified heavyweight champion the champion has made clear his intention to defend his world titles versus the successful fighter.
"This is the moment. It signifies all," remarked a determined but focused Fabio Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday pre-fight ritual.
Wardley - possessing the WBA interim strap - came in at seventeen stone five pounds, in line with his recent bouts.
"This fight before the ultimate challenge. All preparation is finished. Preparation is ticked off. All the hard work is put in. Now for some downtime now. Major event ahead," he added.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end saw more than fresh produce on the weighing platform as the two fighters confronted each other for the ultimate face-off before the bout.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the lenses and swayed along to the music.
Showing off his muscles, he seemed powerful and strong as he weighed in at 119 kg, only 5lb lighter than his heaviest ever.
This represents a far cry from the 107 kg version who was defeated his championship to Anthony Joshua in 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I will to match him blow for blow and I will reach him," Parker said.
I'm at a higher plane and will dominate him - Joseph Parker
Fabio Wardley, dressed in an football shirt, held a serious expression, acknowledged the audience, but seemed zoned in.
Although he is the lighter guy, Wardley has superb KO strength. He produced a remarkable turnaround against Justis Huni in June, behind on the scorecards before stopping his rival in the 10th round even though being outboxed for most of the contest.
"Parker, his team and the sport's followers are about to discover I am meant to be at the summit of this weight class," Wardley affirmed.
"Each rival has been the boxer critics predict will beat me. This is the one. His attributes include too quick, too fast, too experienced. Yet I haven't been beaten so far, and nothing will shift on fight night."
