Assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Below Compared to Substantial Parker
Winning-streak Joseph Parker (left) is on a six-match victory run, while knockout specialist Fabio Wardley remains unbeaten in twenty career contests.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Location: London's O2 Arena, the capital Date: This Saturday, 25 October
Coverage: Catch round-by-round coverage and live radio on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application from half past eight UK time then transitioning to national radio from 22:00.
The New Zealand fighter registered nearly 20 pounds above against his opponent as both top fighters cut self-assured poses - even if in contrasting ways - leading up to the Saturday main event in London.
From New Zealand Parker will put his WBO 'interim' belt and shot to fight for the global championship at stake facing the unbeaten Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Undisputed top heavyweight the champion has indicated his aim to protect his four belts facing the winner.
"It all comes down to this. It represents everything," said a serious but zoned-in Fabio Wardley, aged 30, at Friday's weigh-in.
Wardley - possessing the WBA 'interim' belt - weighed in at 17st 5lb, matching his recent bouts.
"This contest prior to the one. All preparation is done. Preparation is completed. The grueling sessions is done. Now for some relaxation now. Big night tomorrow," he added.
The historic venue in the capital's east saw beyond market goods on the measure as the pair of boxers confronted each other for the final time before the bout.
Parker winked at the lenses and bobbed along to the tunes.
As he flexed his muscles, he seemed imposing and forceful as he tipped the scales at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely a handful of pounds less than his career-heaviest.
This marks a major change from the 16st 12lb iteration who surrendered his championship to Anthony Joshua in 2018.
"We're weary, we're cautious, but I'm going to fight fire with fire and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker said.
I operate on a different level and will smash him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, wearing an football shirt, maintained a straight face, acknowledged the audience, but seemed focused.
Despite being the lighter guy, Fabio Wardley has superb stopping ability. He delivered a dramatic turnaround facing Huni in June, trailing on the judges' cards before defeating his rival in the 10th round despite being outboxed for most of the bout.
"Parker, his camp and boxing fans will find out I am destined to be at the peak of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley said.
"Each rival has been the fighter pundits say will overcome me. This is the one. His attributes include too quick, too fast, too experienced. But My record is perfect to date, and nothing will shift on fight night."
