Assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Lighter Compared to Substantial Parker
On-a-roll Parker (on the left) is on a six-bout unbeaten stretch, and knockout artist Wardley has a perfect record in twenty pro bouts.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Location: The O2, the capital Event Date: Weekend, 25 October
Coverage: Follow real-time updates and listen through BBC Sounds and mobile application starting at 20:30 BST then transitioning to BBC 5 Live from 10:00 PM.
The New Zealand fighter weighed almost twenty pounds above than Fabio Wardley as each heavyweights presented confident figures - albeit in contrasting ways - ahead of the Saturday main event in the UK.
New Zealand's Joseph Parker places his interim WBO title and chance to challenge for the world title on the line facing the perfect Wardley at the London venue.
Reigning top heavyweight Usyk has indicated his plan to protect his world titles versus the successful fighter.
"It all comes down to this. This means all," stated a focused but zoned-in Wardley, thirty, at the Friday weigh-in.
The Ipswich fighter - the holder of the WBA interim strap - registered at 110 kg, consistent with his recent bouts.
"This fight leading up to the one. Every effort is done. Preparation is ticked off. All the hard work is done. Now for some downtime now. Major event tomorrow," he stated further.
The East London market in London's east end hosted not just market goods on the weighing platform as the both boxers confronted each other for the final time before the main event.
Parker winked at the photographers and bobbed along to the music.
Flexing his physique, he appeared imposing and strong as he registered at 18st 10lb, only 5lb below than his career-heaviest.
This represents a major change from the 16st 12lb iteration who surrendered his belt to AJ in the year 2018.
"We are alert, we are careful, but I will to match him blow for blow and I intend to connect with him," Joseph Parker said.
I operate on a superior tier and will dominate him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, wearing an Ipswich top, held a focused look, nodded to the fans, but seemed focused.
Although he is the lighter guy, Wardley has exceptional stopping ability. He staged a dramatic comeback against his opponent in the summer, trailing on the scorecards then stopping his foe in the tenth round although being outboxed for much of the fight.
"Parker, his team and the sport's followers are about to discover I am meant to be at the summit of this weight class," Fabio Wardley affirmed.
"All challengers has been the fighter experts claim will overcome me. This is that fight. He is too quick, too fast, highly seasoned. But I haven't been beaten so far, and no one will alter tomorrow night."
