Self-assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Than Substantial Parker
In-form Joseph Parker (on the left) has a six-bout winning streak, whereas KO artist Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in twenty professional fights.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Location: The O2, London Event Date: Saturday, October 25
Broadcast Details: Tune in for round-by-round coverage and live radio via BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application starting at 20:30 BST then transitioning to national radio from 10 PM BST.
Parker weighed almost 20 pounds above against his opponent as the two big men cut confident appearances - albeit in contrasting styles - leading up to Saturday's main event in the UK.
New Zealand's Parker is risking his interim WBO title and chance to challenge for the global championship on the line against the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the London venue.
Reigning division king Usyk has indicated his intention to retain his four belts against the victor.
"This is it. It represents the ultimate," said a determined but focused Wardley, 30, at yesterday's scale ceremony.
The Ipswich fighter - possessing the WBA interim strap - weighed in at 17st 5lb, matching his recent bouts.
"This contest prior to the one. All the work is done. Preparation is ticked off. The intense training is put in. Now for some downtime now. Big night tomorrow," he continued.
The historic venue in the capital's east witnessed not just typical items on the weighing platform as the both fighters confronted each other for the final time before the main event.
Parker winked at the camera and moved along to the music.
As he flexed his strength, he seemed hefty and powerful as he weighed in at 119 kg, only 5lb lighter than his career-heaviest.
This marks a major change from the sixteen stone twelve pound fighter who surrendered his championship to AJ in 2018.
"We are cautious, we are careful, but I plan to respond with equal force and I will reach him," Parker stated.
I operate on a superior tier and will dominate him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich top, held a straight face, nodded to the fans, but seemed zoned in.
He may be the smaller man, Wardley has exceptional stopping ability. He delivered a dramatic recovery versus his opponent in June, down on the scorecards then finishing his opponent in the tenth round despite being outclassed for the majority of the contest.
"Joseph Parker, his corner and boxing fans will find out I am destined to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley affirmed.
"Every opponent has been the fighter pundits say will defeat me. This is the one. His attributes include superior speed, too fast, too experienced. However I haven't been beaten yet, and no challenge will shift on fight night."
