Confident Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Below Compared to Heavier Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (on the left) boasts a six-fight winning streak, and KO expert Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in twenty pro bouts.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Venue: The O2, London Date: This Saturday, 25 October
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Parker weighed nearly twenty pounds heavier than his opponent as each heavyweights presented self-assured poses - although in opposing manners - for the Saturday feature bout in the UK.
Kiwi Parker places his WBO 'interim' belt and chance to compete for the undisputed crown up for grabs against the unbeaten Wardley at the London venue.
Undisputed top heavyweight the champion has indicated his plan to defend his world titles against the victor.
"This is the moment. It represents everything," said a serious but concentrated Wardley, thirty, at yesterday's weigh-in.
Wardley - possessing the WBA 'interim' belt - registered at 17st 5lb, matching his previous matches.
"This fight prior to the big one. Every effort is finished. Training is completed. The grueling sessions is put in. Time for some downtime now. Major event coming up," he stated further.
Spitalfields Market in the capital's east hosted beyond market goods on the weighing platform as the pair of boxers confronted each other for the last occasion before the bout.
Parker flashed a wink at the lenses and moved along to the music.
As he flexed his strength, he seemed imposing and powerful as he weighed in at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely 5lb less than his career-heaviest.
This represents a far cry from the sixteen stone twelve pound fighter who was defeated his championship to Anthony Joshua in the year 2018.
"We are alert, we are careful, but I'm going to respond with equal force and I'm going to get him," Parker stated.
I operate on a higher plane and will smash him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, sporting an Ipswich Town jersey, held a serious expression, greeted the audience, but looked concentrated.
He may be the lighter guy, Fabio Wardley has superb knockout power. He delivered a dramatic turnaround facing Huni in June, trailing on the judges' cards before defeating his opponent in the 10th round despite being outboxed for most of the bout.
"His opponent, his corner and boxing fans will find out I am destined to be at the peak of this weight class," Wardley said.
"Each rival has been the fighter pundits predict will beat me. Here we are again. His attributes include exceptional pace, swift, highly seasoned. Yet My record is perfect yet, and nothing will change tomorrow night."