Assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Than Substantial Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Parker (on the left) has a six-bout victory run, and KO expert Fabio Wardley is undefeated in twenty professional fights.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Venue: The O2, the capital Event Date: This Saturday, the 25th of October
Coverage: Follow real-time updates and listen via BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application starting at 20:30 BST before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
Parker registered nearly 20lb heavier compared to the British boxer as the two big men presented confident figures - although in opposing styles - leading up to this weekend's main event in London.
From New Zealand Joseph Parker is risking his WBO interim championship and chance to challenge for the global championship on the line facing the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the London venue.
Unified top heavyweight the champion has indicated his plan to retain his championship titles versus the successful fighter.
"It all comes down to this. It signifies the ultimate," said a focused but focused Fabio Wardley, 30, at Friday's pre-fight ritual.
Wardley - who holds the interim WBA title - came in at 17st 5lb, in line with his recent bouts.
"This contest before the ultimate challenge. All the work is finished. Training is completed. The intense training is done. Time for some downtime now. Major event ahead," he added.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end witnessed more than typical items on the weighing platform as the both fighters squared up for the last occasion ahead of the bout.
Parker gave a wink at the lenses and swayed along to the beat.
As he flexed his muscles, he seemed imposing and forceful as he weighed in at 18st 10lb, merely five pounds below than his heaviest ever.
It is a significant difference from the 16st 12lb fighter who surrendered his world title to Joshua in 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I'm going to respond with equal force and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker said.
I'm at a superior tier and will smash him - Parker
Wardley, wearing an football shirt, held a focused look, acknowledged the audience, but appeared zoned in.
He may be the less heavy fighter, Fabio Wardley has outstanding KO strength. He delivered a thrilling turnaround against his opponent in the summer, trailing on the official tallies before finishing his opponent in the 10th round even though being outclassed for the majority of the bout.
"His opponent, his corner and supporters will learn I am destined to be at the summit of this weight class," Fabio Wardley stated.
"All challengers has been the boxer pundits predict will overcome me. This is that fight. He's exceptional pace, rapid, too experienced. But I haven't been beaten so far, and no one will shift in the ring."
