Self-assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Below Compared to Substantial Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (on the left) boasts a six-match unbeaten stretch, whereas stoppage specialist Wardley remains unbeaten in 20 professional fights.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Location: London's O2 Arena, London Event Date: Weekend, 25 October
Broadcast Details: Tune in for live text commentary and audio coverage on BBC Sounds and app from half past eight UK time prior to moving to BBC 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
The New Zealand fighter stepped onto the scales almost 20lb heavier compared to Fabio Wardley as both big men presented confident figures - even if in opposing manners - ahead of Saturday's feature bout in London.
New Zealand's Joseph Parker places his WBO 'interim' belt and chance to challenge for the world title up for grabs facing the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk has signalled his aim to defend his world titles against the successful fighter.
"This is it. It represents all," remarked a serious but focused Fabio Wardley, thirty, at Friday's pre-fight ritual.
The Ipswich fighter - possessing the WBA 'interim' belt - registered at seventeen stone five pounds, in line with his previous matches.
"This fight leading up to the one. Every effort is done. Preparation is wrapped up. The grueling sessions is done. Let's get some rest now. Huge occasion coming up," he continued.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end saw more than market goods on the scales as the two boxers squared up for the final time ahead of the bout.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the lenses and swayed along to the tunes.
Flexing his muscles, he appeared hefty and forceful as he registered at 18st 10lb, merely a handful of pounds lighter than his heaviest ever.
This represents a far cry from the 107 kg fighter who was defeated his belt to Joshua in 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I will to fight fire with fire and I'm going to get him," Parker stated.
I operate on a higher plane and will dominate him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, sporting an football shirt, kept a focused look, acknowledged the crowd, but appeared zoned in.
He may be the less heavy fighter, Wardley has superb stopping ability. He delivered a dramatic comeback facing Justis Huni in last June, trailing on the official tallies prior to stopping his rival in the tenth round although being outboxed for much of the fight.
"His opponent, his team and the sport's followers will find out I belong to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Fabio Wardley said.
"All challengers has been the boxer critics claim will beat me. This is that fight. His attributes include exceptional pace, swift, vastly experienced. But My record is perfect to date, and no one will change in the ring."
