Self-assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Lighter Than Substantial Parker
In-form Parker (on the left) is on a six-fight winning streak, while knockout specialist Fabio Wardley is undefeated in 20 career contests.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Venue: London's O2 Arena, the capital Fight Night: This Saturday, 25 October
Live Updates: Tune in for live text commentary and live radio via BBC Sounds and app starting at half past eight UK time before switching to BBC 5 Live from 22:00.
Joseph Parker stepped onto the scales nearly twenty pounds heavier compared to the British boxer as each top fighters cut assured poses - although in contrasting manners - for this weekend's main event in the UK.
Kiwi Joseph Parker is risking his WBO interim championship and shot to compete for the world title on the line against the undefeated Wardley at the London venue.
Undisputed top heavyweight Usyk has indicated his aim to retain his world titles against the victor.
"This is it. This means the ultimate," stated a focused but concentrated Wardley, thirty, at Friday's scale ceremony.
The Ipswich fighter - the holder of the WBA 'interim' belt - came in at 17st 5lb, consistent with his previous matches.
"This contest before the one. Every effort is completed. Training is wrapped up. All the hard work is done. Time for some relaxation now. Huge occasion ahead," he continued.
The historic venue in the capital's east hosted not just market goods on the weighing platform as the two heavyweights confronted each other for the final time before fight night.
Parker flashed a wink at the photographers and bobbed along to the beat.
Showing off his strength, he appeared imposing and strong as he registered at eighteen stone ten pounds, just a handful of pounds lighter than his career-heaviest.
It is a far cry from the 107 kg version who lost his championship to Joshua 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 have reached a different level and will smash him - Parker
Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich top, maintained a serious expression, acknowledged the audience, but seemed zoned in.
He may be the lighter guy, Wardley has exceptional KO strength. He delivered a dramatic recovery against his opponent in June, behind on the official tallies then stopping his foe in the tenth round even though being outboxed for most of the fight.
"Joseph Parker, his team and the sport's followers will find out I am destined to be at the peak of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley affirmed.
"All challengers has been the boxer pundits predict will overcome me. Here we are again. His attributes include superior speed, too fast, vastly experienced. Yet My record is perfect to date, and nothing will alter on fight night."
