Self-assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Less Compared to Bulky Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (on the left) is on a six-fight winning streak, while KO expert Wardley is undefeated in twenty pro bouts.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Venue: The O2, the capital Fight Night: This Saturday, October 25
Broadcast Details: Tune in for live text commentary and audio coverage on BBC Sounds and app starting at 8:30 PM BST before switching to BBC 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
The New Zealand fighter weighed almost twenty pounds heavier against Fabio Wardley as the two big men presented self-assured appearances - although in contrasting ways - leading up to this weekend's main event in London.
From New Zealand Joseph Parker places his WBO interim championship and shot to compete for the undisputed crown at stake facing the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Undisputed division king Oleksandr Usyk has indicated his aim to retain his world titles facing the victor.
"It all comes down to this. It signifies the ultimate," stated a focused but zoned-in Wardley, aged 30, at Friday's weigh-in.
Wardley - who holds the WBA 'interim' belt - weighed in at 110 kg, in line with his recent bouts.
"This contest prior to the one. All the work is completed. Training is completed. The intense training is put in. Time for some rest now. Big night coming up," he added.
The East London market in the capital's east witnessed not just market goods on the measure as the pair of heavyweights confronted each other for the last occasion before the bout.
Parker winked at the photographers and moved along to the beat.
Showing off his muscles, he looked powerful and powerful as he registered at eighteen stone ten pounds, just a handful of pounds below than his peak weight.
This represents a major change from the sixteen stone twelve pound version who surrendered his world title to Joshua in the year 2018.
"We're weary, we are wary, but I plan to respond with equal force and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker said.
I'm at a higher plane and will overpower him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, sporting an Ipswich top, held a focused look, greeted the fans, but looked concentrated.
He may be the lighter guy, Fabio Wardley has exceptional KO strength. He delivered a remarkable comeback versus Huni in last June, trailing on the judges' cards then finishing his opponent in the tenth round despite being outmaneuvered for most of the bout.
"His opponent, his team and the sport's followers will find out I am destined to be at the peak of this heavyweight ranks," Fabio Wardley said.
"Every opponent has been the fighter experts claim will defeat me. This is the one. His attributes include superior speed, rapid, highly seasoned. Yet I remain unbeaten so far, and no challenge will change in the ring."