Confident Wardley Weighs 20lb Below Than Heavier Parker
On-a-roll Parker (left) has a six-match winning streak, whereas stoppage expert Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in twenty professional fights.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Fight Location: The O2, the capital Date: Saturday, 25 October
Broadcast Details: Tune in for round-by-round coverage and listen on the BBC Sport website plus digital platforms from 8:30 PM BST before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10:00 PM.
Joseph Parker registered nearly 20 pounds heavier against his opponent as the two big men displayed assured figures - albeit in different styles - ahead of Saturday's headliner in the capital.
From New Zealand Joseph Parker places his WBO 'interim' belt and opportunity to challenge for the world title at stake versus the perfect Fabio Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Unified top heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk has made clear his plan to protect his world titles against the victor.
"This is it. This means the ultimate," said a focused but focused Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday pre-fight ritual.
The Ipswich fighter - the holder of the interim WBA title - registered at 17st 5lb, consistent with his previous matches.
"This fight before the one. All the work is finished. Camp is ticked off. All the hard work is accomplished. Let's get some rest now. Big night coming up," he continued.
Spitalfields Market in east London hosted more than market goods on the scales as the two boxers squared up for the ultimate face-off prior to fight night.
Parker flashed a wink at the camera and swayed along to the beat.
Flexing his muscles, he seemed powerful and forceful as he weighed in at 18st 10lb, merely a handful of pounds lighter than his career-heaviest.
This represents a far cry from the sixteen stone twelve pound iteration who was defeated his championship to Anthony Joshua in 2018.
"We're weary, we are wary, but I'm going to fight fire with fire and I'm going to get him," Parker declared.
I operate on a superior tier and will overpower him - Joseph Parker
Fabio Wardley, wearing an football shirt, kept a focused look, greeted the crowd, but looked concentrated.
Although he is the lighter guy, Wardley has exceptional KO strength. He staged a thrilling comeback versus Huni in the summer, trailing on the judges' cards prior to finishing his foe in the final round despite being outmaneuvered for the majority of the fight.
"Parker, his camp and boxing fans will find out I belong to be at the summit of this division," Fabio Wardley said.
"Every opponent has been the one experts say will defeat me. This is that fight. His attributes include exceptional pace, swift, highly seasoned. However I haven't been beaten so far, and nothing will change in the ring."
