Assured Wardley Weighs 20lb Below Compared to Substantial Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (on the left) has a six-bout victory run, while KO specialist Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in twenty pro bouts.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Fight Location: O2 Arena, London Date: Saturday, 25 October
Coverage: Tune in for round-by-round coverage and audio coverage on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application from 20:30 BST before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
Parker weighed nearly twenty pounds more against his opponent as each big men displayed self-assured figures - although in opposing styles - leading up to Saturday's feature bout in London.
New Zealand's Joseph Parker will put his interim WBO title and shot to fight for the world title on the line versus the undefeated Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has indicated his plan to defend his four belts versus the victor.
"This is the moment. It signifies all," remarked a determined but concentrated Wardley, thirty, at yesterday's scale ceremony.
Wardley - the holder of the WBA interim strap - came in at 17st 5lb, in line with his previous matches.
"This contest leading up to the one. All preparation is done. Training is wrapped up. The intense training is put in. Let's get some downtime now. Major event tomorrow," he added.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end saw not just typical items on the weighing platform as the two heavyweights confronted each other for the final time prior to the bout.
Parker gave a wink at the photographers and bobbed along to the music.
Flexing his physique, he appeared hefty and powerful as he weighed in at 18st 10lb, just five pounds below than his peak weight.
It is a significant difference from the 107 kg fighter who lost his championship to AJ in the year 2018.
"We're weary, we are careful, but I will to match him blow for blow and I'm going to get him," Parker said.
I'm at a different level and will dominate him - Joseph Parker
Fabio Wardley, wearing an Ipswich Town jersey, kept a straight face, acknowledged the crowd, but seemed concentrated.
He may be the lighter guy, Fabio Wardley has superb KO strength. He produced a dramatic comeback versus his opponent in the summer, behind on the scorecards prior to stopping his opponent in the 10th round although being outclassed for the majority of the fight.
"Parker, his camp and boxing fans will learn I am destined to be at the summit of this division," Wardley stated.
"Each rival has been the boxer critics claim will beat me. This is that fight. His attributes include too quick, swift, too experienced. Yet I remain unbeaten to date, and nothing will change on fight night."
