Confident Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Below Compared to Bulky Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Parker (left) is on a six-match unbeaten stretch, whereas stoppage expert Fabio Wardley is undefeated in twenty professional fights.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Venue: The O2, the capital Event Date: Weekend, October 25
Live Updates: Catch round-by-round coverage and listen through BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and app starting at half past eight UK time prior to moving to BBC Radio 5 Live from 22:00.
Parker weighed nearly 20lb more compared to his opponent as each big men displayed confident poses - although in contrasting ways - leading up to Saturday's headliner in the UK.
New Zealand's Parker places his WBO interim championship and shot to compete for the undisputed crown at stake against the unbeaten Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Unified top heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk has indicated his plan to protect his world titles facing the successful fighter.
"This is the moment. It signifies all," said a serious but focused Fabio Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday pre-fight ritual.
The British contender - possessing the WBA interim strap - registered at seventeen stone five pounds, in line with his recent bouts.
"This is the one before the one. All the work is completed. Camp is completed. All the hard work is put in. Let's get some rest now. Big night ahead," he stated further.
The historic venue in the capital's east witnessed more than typical items on the weighing platform as the two fighters faced off for the final time prior to the main event.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the photographers and moved along to the music.
Flexing his physique, he seemed hefty and powerful as he registered at eighteen stone ten pounds, only five pounds lighter than his peak weight.
It is a major change from the 16st 12lb version who was defeated his championship to AJ in 2018.
"We are cautious, we're cautious, but I will to respond with equal force and I'm going to get him," Parker declared.
I'm at a higher plane and will smash him - Parker
Wardley, wearing an football shirt, maintained a serious expression, acknowledged the crowd, but appeared concentrated.
Although he is the smaller man, Wardley has exceptional knockout power. He staged a thrilling recovery versus Huni in the summer, down on the official tallies before stopping his opponent in the tenth round although being outboxed for most of the fight.
"Joseph Parker, his camp and supporters will find out I belong to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley stated.
"Each rival has been the one critics say will defeat me. This is the one. He's too quick, too fast, vastly experienced. However I haven't been beaten yet, and nothing will shift on fight night."
