Self-assured Fabio Wardley Weighs 20lb Below Compared to Bulky Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (on the left) is on a six-match winning streak, and knockout specialist Wardley is undefeated in twenty career contests.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Fight Location: O2 Arena, London Date: Saturday, October 25
Live Updates: Follow round-by-round coverage and listen via the BBC Sport website plus digital platforms starting at 20:30 BST before switching to national radio from 22:00.
Parker registered approximately 20 pounds more than the British boxer as each top fighters cut confident poses - albeit in contrasting styles - ahead of this weekend's main event in the capital.
From New Zealand Parker will put his WBO 'interim' belt and chance to challenge for the global championship up for grabs facing the undefeated Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk has indicated his plan to protect his world titles facing the successful fighter.
"This is it. It represents the ultimate," said a serious but zoned-in Fabio Wardley, thirty, at the Friday scale ceremony.
The Ipswich fighter - who holds the WBA interim strap - came in at seventeen stone five pounds, in line with his recent bouts.
"This fight before the one. All the work is done. Training is ticked off. The intense training is done. Time for some downtime now. Huge occasion tomorrow," he stated further.
The East London market in east London hosted more than typical items on the scales as the two heavyweights squared up for the last occasion ahead of the main event.
Parker winked at the photographers and swayed along to the beat.
Flexing his muscles, he seemed imposing and forceful as he weighed in at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely five pounds below than his career-heaviest.
It is a significant difference from the sixteen stone twelve pound version who surrendered his world title to AJ in the year 2018.
"We're weary, we are careful, but I'm going to match him blow for blow and I will reach him," Joseph Parker said.
I'm at a superior tier and will overpower him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, wearing an football shirt, held a focused look, nodded to the audience, but looked focused.
He may be the smaller man, Wardley has superb KO strength. He produced a remarkable comeback against Justis Huni in the summer, down on the judges' cards before finishing his opponent in the final round although being outmaneuvered for much of the fight.
"Joseph Parker, his camp and boxing fans will find out I belong to be at the peak of this heavyweight ranks," Fabio Wardley said.
"Every opponent has been the one critics claim will beat me. Here we are again. He's superior speed, too fast, too experienced. Yet My record is perfect yet, and no one will change on fight night."
