Assured Wardley Weighs Twenty Pounds Less Below Compared to Heavier Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Parker (left) is on a six-fight winning streak, and knockout expert Wardley remains unbeaten in 20 professional fights.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Fight Location: The O2, London Fight Night: Weekend, October 25
Coverage: Tune in for live text commentary and listen on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and app starting at 20:30 BST before switching to BBC 5 Live from 10:00 PM.
The New Zealand fighter registered almost 20lb more than Fabio Wardley as both big men presented assured poses - albeit in opposing manners - for Saturday's headliner in London.
New Zealand's Parker will put his WBO interim championship and opportunity to fight for the undisputed crown at stake facing the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Unified division king Usyk has indicated his intention to retain his championship titles against the winner.
"This is it. This means everything," said a determined but concentrated Fabio Wardley, thirty, at Friday's pre-fight ritual.
Wardley - who holds the WBA 'interim' belt - weighed in at seventeen stone five pounds, matching his latest fights.
"This is the one before the ultimate challenge. All the work is done. Training is completed. All the hard work is put in. Now for some rest now. Major event ahead," he continued.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end saw beyond fresh produce on the scales as the two heavyweights faced off for the ultimate face-off prior to fight night.
Joseph Parker flashed a wink at the photographers and swayed along to the beat.
Flexing his muscles, he looked hefty and forceful as he weighed in at 18st 10lb, merely five pounds below than his heaviest ever.
This marks a significant difference from the 107 kg fighter who lost his championship to Joshua in 2018.
"We are cautious, we are careful, but I plan to fight fire with fire and I intend to connect with him," Parker said.
I'm at a higher plane and will dominate him - Parker
Wardley, wearing an Ipswich Town jersey, maintained a straight face, greeted the audience, but seemed zoned in.
He may be the lighter guy, Fabio Wardley has superb knockout power. He produced a thrilling turnaround against Huni in last June, behind on the judges' cards prior to stopping his opponent in the tenth round despite being outclassed for much of the bout.
"Joseph Parker, his camp and boxing fans will find out I belong to be at the peak of this weight class," Fabio Wardley stated.
"Each rival has been the one pundits claim will beat me. This is the one. His attributes include exceptional pace, swift, vastly experienced. However My record is perfect so far, and no one will shift on fight night."
