Assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Below Than Substantial Parker
Winning-streak Joseph Parker (left) has a six-fight unbeaten stretch, and KO specialist Fabio Wardley remains unbeaten in twenty career contests.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Venue: O2 Arena, London Event Date: Weekend, the 25th of October
Coverage: Catch round-by-round coverage and audio coverage through BBC Sounds and app from half past eight UK time before switching to BBC 5 Live from 22:00.
Joseph Parker registered almost twenty pounds heavier than Fabio Wardley as the two top fighters presented confident figures - albeit in contrasting ways - for the Saturday headliner in the capital.
New Zealand's Parker places his WBO 'interim' belt and chance to compete for the global championship at stake versus the perfect Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk has indicated his plan to retain his four belts facing the victor.
"This is the moment. This means everything," stated a serious but zoned-in Fabio Wardley, 30, at Friday's scale ceremony.
Wardley - the holder of the interim WBA title - came in at 17st 5lb, in line with his previous matches.
"This contest before the one. Every effort is done. Training is wrapped up. The intense training is put in. Time for some downtime now. Big night ahead," he added.
The historic venue in east London saw not just market goods on the weighing platform as the both fighters squared up for the last occasion prior to fight night.
Parker flashed a wink at the lenses and moved along to the beat.
Showing off his physique, he looked imposing and powerful as he tipped the scales at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely 5lb below than his heaviest ever.
This represents a far cry from the 16st 12lb iteration who surrendered his belt to AJ in the year 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I plan to match him blow for blow and I intend to connect with him," Joseph Parker stated.
I have reached a higher plane and will dominate him - Joseph Parker
Fabio Wardley, wearing an Ipswich Town jersey, held a focused look, greeted the audience, but seemed focused.
He may be the lighter guy, Wardley has superb stopping ability. He delivered a dramatic recovery against Justis Huni in June, trailing on the scorecards then stopping his opponent in the 10th round even though being outclassed for much of the contest.
"Joseph Parker, his corner and boxing fans will find out I am meant to be at the summit of this division," Wardley said.
"Each rival has been the one pundits say will beat me. This is that fight. He is exceptional pace, swift, vastly experienced. However My record is perfect to date, and no one will shift in the ring."