Assured Fabio Wardley Weighs Twenty Pounds Less Compared to Bulky Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Parker (on the left) boasts a six-fight winning streak, and stoppage specialist Fabio Wardley remains unbeaten in twenty pro bouts.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Venue: London's O2 Arena, the capital Date: Weekend, October 25
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Joseph Parker registered almost twenty pounds heavier compared to the British boxer as each top fighters presented assured figures - although in contrasting manners - leading up to Saturday's feature bout in the capital.
Kiwi Joseph Parker will put his WBO 'interim' belt and shot to compete for the world title on the line facing the unbeaten Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Reigning top heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk has signalled his intention to defend his world titles facing the successful fighter.
"This is it. This means everything," stated a determined but zoned-in Wardley, thirty, at the Friday scale ceremony.
The Ipswich fighter - possessing the WBA 'interim' belt - weighed in at seventeen stone five pounds, consistent with his previous matches.
"This contest before the big one. All preparation is completed. Training is ticked off. The intense training is accomplished. Now for some rest now. Huge occasion tomorrow," he added.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end witnessed more than typical items on the scales as the both fighters confronted each other for the final time ahead of fight night.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the lenses and bobbed along to the beat.
Flexing his muscles, he seemed hefty and powerful as he weighed in at 119 kg, just five pounds less than his career-heaviest.
This marks a far cry from the 107 kg iteration who surrendered his belt to Joshua in the year 2018.
"We are cautious, we are wary, but I plan to match him blow for blow and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker said.
I have reached a superior tier and will dominate him - Parker
Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich top, maintained a straight face, nodded to the fans, but looked concentrated.
Although he is the smaller man, Wardley has superb stopping ability. He staged a dramatic turnaround versus Huni in June, trailing on the official tallies then defeating his rival in the final round despite being outmaneuvered for most of the bout.
"His opponent, his team and supporters are about to discover I belong to be at the top of this division," Wardley affirmed.
"Every opponent has been the fighter experts predict will beat me. This is that fight. He's exceptional pace, too fast, highly seasoned. But I haven't been beaten to date, and no one will change in the ring."