Assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Lighter Than Heavier Parker
In-form Joseph Parker (left) boasts a six-fight victory run, while stoppage expert Fabio Wardley is undefeated in 20 professional fights.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Fight Location: The O2, London Event Date: Saturday, the 25th of October
Live Updates: Follow real-time updates and audio coverage via the BBC Sport website plus digital platforms from 8:30 PM BST before switching to national radio from 10:00 PM.
Parker stepped onto the scales nearly twenty pounds above against his opponent as the two top fighters cut self-assured appearances - even if in opposing ways - ahead of the Saturday main event in London.
From New Zealand Joseph Parker will put his interim WBO title and chance to challenge for the undisputed crown up for grabs against the undefeated Wardley at the London venue.
Undisputed division king Oleksandr Usyk has made clear his plan to protect his world titles versus the winner.
"This is the moment. It represents everything," remarked a serious but zoned-in Wardley, thirty, at the Friday weigh-in.
Wardley - who holds the WBA interim strap - weighed in at 110 kg, in line with his latest fights.
"This contest prior to the one. All the work is finished. Camp is ticked off. The intense training is put in. Now for some downtime now. Big night coming up," he continued.
The historic venue in the capital's east hosted more than fresh produce on the weighing platform as the pair of fighters squared up for the last occasion before the bout.
Joseph Parker winked at the lenses and swayed along to the tunes.
As he flexed his muscles, he appeared powerful and powerful as he weighed in at 18st 10lb, merely a handful of pounds below than his career-heaviest.
This marks a major change from the 16st 12lb iteration who lost his belt to Joshua in 2018.
"We are cautious, we're cautious, but I will to match him blow for blow and I intend to connect with him," Joseph Parker stated.
I have reached a different level and will smash him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, wearing an Ipswich top, maintained a focused look, acknowledged the crowd, but seemed zoned in.
He may be the lighter guy, Wardley has superb stopping ability. He produced a dramatic comeback against his opponent in the summer, trailing on the judges' cards before stopping his rival in the final round although being outmaneuvered for the majority of the contest.
"Joseph Parker, his corner and supporters will find out I am meant to be at the peak of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley said.
"Each rival has been the one experts say will defeat me. Here we are again. He's too quick, swift, vastly experienced. However I remain unbeaten to date, and nothing will alter in the ring."
