Assured Wardley Weighs 20lb Less Compared to Heavier Joseph Parker
In-form Joseph Parker (on the left) boasts a six-bout victory run, while KO artist Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in twenty pro bouts.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Venue: London's O2 Arena, the capital Event Date: Saturday, 25 October
Broadcast Details: Follow live text commentary and audio coverage via BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application from half past eight UK time then transitioning to BBC 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
Joseph Parker stepped onto the scales almost 20lb more compared to his opponent as each heavyweights displayed self-assured appearances - although in opposing manners - ahead of the Saturday main event in the capital.
New Zealand's Parker is risking his interim WBO title and chance to compete for the undisputed crown up for grabs facing the perfect Fabio Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Unified top heavyweight the champion has made clear his plan to protect his four belts against the victor.
"This is the moment. It signifies everything," stated a focused but focused Wardley, aged 30, at Friday's pre-fight ritual.
The Ipswich fighter - who holds the interim WBA title - weighed in at 17st 5lb, matching his previous matches.
"This contest leading up to the big one. Every effort is done. Training is ticked off. The intense training is done. Now for some rest now. Major event tomorrow," he stated further.
The historic venue in east London hosted not just market goods on the scales as the pair of boxers confronted each other for the last occasion prior to the bout.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the photographers and moved along to the beat.
Flexing his physique, he seemed imposing and forceful as he weighed in at 119 kg, only 5lb less than his heaviest ever.
This marks a major change from the sixteen stone twelve pound fighter who surrendered his belt to Anthony Joshua in 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I will to fight fire with fire and I will reach him," Parker stated.
I operate on a higher plane and will dominate him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, sporting an football shirt, held a focused look, nodded to the fans, but looked focused.
He may be the less heavy fighter, Wardley has exceptional stopping ability. He delivered a remarkable recovery facing Justis Huni in the summer, trailing on the official tallies prior to stopping his foe in the tenth round despite being outboxed for most of the contest.
"Parker, his corner and the sport's followers are about to discover I am destined to be at the top of this division," Wardley said.
"All challengers has been the boxer pundits predict will defeat me. This is that fight. He's too quick, swift, too experienced. Yet My record is perfect so far, and no one will alter on fight night."
