Assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Compared to Substantial Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (on the left) is on a six-bout victory run, and stoppage specialist Wardley has a perfect record in 20 career contests.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Location: O2 Arena, London Date: This Saturday, the 25th of October
Coverage: Catch live text commentary and listen via the BBC Sport website and mobile application from half past eight UK time prior to moving to BBC Radio 5 Live from 22:00.
The New Zealand fighter registered approximately twenty pounds heavier than Fabio Wardley as the two heavyweights cut confident appearances - albeit in contrasting styles - for this weekend's feature bout in the UK.
New Zealand's Parker is risking his WBO interim championship and chance to compete for the undisputed crown at stake facing the undefeated Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Unified top heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk has made clear his intention to defend his four belts against the successful fighter.
"This is the moment. It signifies everything," said a serious but focused Fabio Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday weigh-in.
Wardley - the holder of the WBA 'interim' belt - weighed in at seventeen stone five pounds, matching his recent bouts.
"This contest before the one. All preparation is completed. Camp is wrapped up. All the hard work is done. Let's get some downtime now. Huge occasion coming up," he stated further.
The historic venue in London's east end witnessed more than market goods on the measure as the two boxers squared up for the final time prior to the bout.
Joseph Parker flashed a wink at the camera and bobbed along to the music.
Showing off his strength, he appeared hefty and strong as he weighed in at eighteen stone ten pounds, just five pounds below than his career-heaviest.
This represents a major change from the sixteen stone twelve pound version who was defeated his championship to AJ in 2018.
"We are alert, we are wary, but I'm going to match him blow for blow and I will reach him," Parker declared.
I operate on a different level and will overpower him - Parker
Wardley, wearing an Ipswich Town jersey, maintained a serious expression, nodded to the crowd, but looked concentrated.
Although he is the less heavy fighter, Fabio Wardley has outstanding stopping ability. He delivered a remarkable recovery facing his opponent in June, behind on the official tallies prior to stopping his opponent in the 10th round despite being outmaneuvered for most of the fight.
"Joseph Parker, his camp and the sport's followers will find out I am meant to be at the top of this division," Fabio Wardley stated.
"Each rival has been the boxer experts claim will defeat me. This is that fight. He is superior speed, swift, too experienced. But My record is perfect so far, and nothing will shift on fight night."
