Self-assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Below Than Substantial Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Joseph Parker (left) is on a six-match winning streak, and stoppage specialist Wardley has a perfect record in 20 career contests.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Fight Location: London's O2 Arena, London Event Date: This Saturday, the 25th of October
Coverage: Catch round-by-round coverage and audio coverage through the BBC Sport website and app from 20:30 BST before switching to national radio from 10:00 PM.
The New Zealand fighter weighed nearly 20lb above against Fabio Wardley as each heavyweights presented self-assured poses - albeit in opposing ways - ahead of the Saturday main event in the UK.
New Zealand's Joseph Parker places his interim WBO title and opportunity to challenge for the world title on the line against the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the London venue.
Unified top heavyweight the champion has made clear his aim to protect his world titles versus the successful fighter.
"It all comes down to this. It represents the ultimate," said a focused but concentrated Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday pre-fight ritual.
The British contender - who holds the WBA interim strap - registered at 110 kg, in line with his recent bouts.
"This fight before the big one. Every effort is done. Preparation is ticked off. The grueling sessions is accomplished. Let's get some relaxation now. Huge occasion ahead," he stated further.
Spitalfields Market in east London hosted beyond market goods on the measure as the pair of boxers confronted each other for the final time before fight night.
Parker gave a wink at the lenses and swayed along to the tunes.
Showing off his muscles, he looked powerful and forceful as he tipped the scales at eighteen stone ten pounds, just a handful of pounds lighter than his heaviest ever.
It is a significant difference from the 16st 12lb fighter who surrendered his championship to Anthony Joshua in 2018.
"We're weary, we are careful, but I will to match him blow for blow and I will reach him," Parker declared.
I operate on a higher plane and will smash him - Parker
Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich Town jersey, held a focused look, acknowledged the fans, but seemed zoned in.
He may be the less heavy fighter, Wardley has superb stopping ability. He produced a dramatic comeback versus Justis Huni in last June, down on the judges' cards prior to stopping his foe in the 10th round even though being outclassed for much of the bout.
"Joseph Parker, his camp and boxing fans will find out I am destined to be at the top of this weight class," Wardley affirmed.
"Each rival has been the fighter experts say will beat me. This is that fight. He's exceptional pace, swift, highly seasoned. However I remain unbeaten so far, and nothing will alter on fight night."
