Confident Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Lighter Than Bulky Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (left) is on a six-bout victory run, while KO artist Wardley remains unbeaten in twenty career contests.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Venue: London's O2 Arena, London Fight Night: Weekend, 25 October
Coverage: Tune in for real-time updates and live radio through BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application starting at 20:30 BST prior to moving to BBC 5 Live from 10:00 PM.
Joseph Parker weighed nearly twenty pounds heavier compared to his opponent as the two heavyweights displayed confident figures - even if in opposing manners - for Saturday's feature bout in London.
From New Zealand Joseph Parker is risking his interim WBO title and chance to challenge for the undisputed crown on the line facing the undefeated Fabio Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Undisputed division king Oleksandr Usyk has indicated his plan to defend his world titles facing the winner.
"This is it. This means everything," remarked a focused but focused Wardley, aged 30, at yesterday's pre-fight ritual.
Wardley - possessing the interim WBA title - weighed in at 17st 5lb, consistent with his recent bouts.
"This is the one prior to the one. All preparation is completed. Training is completed. All the hard work is accomplished. Now for some rest now. Major event ahead," he stated further.
The East London market in the capital's east hosted beyond fresh produce on the weighing platform as the both heavyweights squared up for the last occasion ahead of the main event.
Parker flashed a wink at the camera and bobbed along to the music.
Flexing his muscles, he seemed hefty and forceful as he weighed in at eighteen stone ten pounds, just five pounds less than his peak weight.
It is a major change from the sixteen stone twelve pound iteration who lost his belt to Anthony Joshua in the year 2018.
"We are alert, we are careful, but I will to fight fire with fire and I will reach him," Parker said.
I operate on a higher plane and will overpower him - Joseph Parker
Fabio Wardley, wearing an Ipswich top, kept a straight face, nodded to the audience, but seemed concentrated.
Although he is the lighter guy, Wardley has exceptional knockout power. He delivered a remarkable turnaround against his opponent in last June, down on the judges' cards then finishing his opponent in the 10th round even though being outmaneuvered for the majority of the bout.
"Joseph Parker, his camp and the sport's followers will find out I am destined to be at the top of this weight class," Fabio Wardley said.
"All challengers has been the fighter pundits predict will beat me. This is that fight. He's superior speed, too fast, vastly experienced. However I haven't been beaten so far, and nothing will change on fight night."
