Assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Less Compared to Heavier Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Joseph Parker (on the left) boasts a six-match victory run, whereas knockout artist Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in twenty pro bouts.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Venue: O2 Arena, London Date: This Saturday, October 25
Coverage: Catch live text commentary and listen through BBC Sounds plus digital platforms starting at 20:30 BST then transitioning to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10:00 PM.
Joseph Parker stepped onto the scales almost twenty pounds more than the British boxer as the two heavyweights displayed confident appearances - albeit in contrasting manners - ahead of the Saturday main event in the UK.
New Zealand's Joseph Parker is risking his interim WBO title and shot to challenge for the global championship on the line facing the perfect Fabio Wardley at the London venue.
Undisputed heavyweight champion the champion has made clear his plan to defend his world titles versus the successful fighter.
"This is the moment. It signifies all," said a focused but concentrated Wardley, thirty, at the Friday scale ceremony.
The British contender - the holder of the WBA interim strap - came in at seventeen stone five pounds, in line with his latest fights.
"This is the one before the ultimate challenge. All the work is done. Training is ticked off. All the hard work is done. Time for some relaxation now. Huge occasion coming up," he added.
The East London market in the capital's east saw beyond typical items on the measure as the both fighters faced off for the ultimate face-off ahead of the main event.
Parker winked at the lenses and swayed along to the music.
Showing off his strength, he appeared imposing and strong as he tipped the scales at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely 5lb less than his heaviest ever.
This represents a major change from the 16st 12lb fighter who surrendered his championship to AJ in the year 2018.
"We're weary, we are wary, but I plan to respond with equal force and I intend to connect with him," Joseph Parker declared.
I operate on a higher plane and will dominate him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich Town jersey, maintained a serious expression, acknowledged the audience, but seemed concentrated.
Although he is the smaller man, Fabio Wardley has superb stopping ability. He delivered a dramatic turnaround versus Justis Huni in the summer, trailing on the scorecards before finishing his opponent in the final round despite being outclassed for most of the fight.
"His opponent, his camp and boxing fans will find out I am destined to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Fabio Wardley stated.
"Each rival has been the boxer pundits say will beat me. Here we are again. His attributes include exceptional pace, rapid, too experienced. But My record is perfect to date, and no challenge will shift on fight night."
