Self-assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Lighter Compared to Substantial Parker
On-a-roll Parker (on the left) has a six-fight winning streak, and KO specialist Wardley remains unbeaten in twenty professional fights.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Fight Location: London's O2 Arena, the capital Event Date: Weekend, the 25th of October
Broadcast Details: Catch real-time updates and listen via BBC Sounds plus digital platforms starting at 20:30 BST prior to moving to national radio from 10 PM BST.
Parker registered nearly 20lb more compared to his opponent as both heavyweights cut confident appearances - albeit in contrasting styles - for the Saturday feature bout in the capital.
From New Zealand Joseph Parker places his WBO interim championship and shot to compete for the global championship up for grabs against the undefeated Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Unified heavyweight champion the champion has signalled his intention to protect his championship titles versus the successful fighter.
"This is the moment. It represents the ultimate," remarked a serious but focused Wardley, aged 30, at yesterday's pre-fight ritual.
The Ipswich fighter - who holds the WBA 'interim' belt - registered at 110 kg, consistent with his latest fights.
"This fight before the ultimate challenge. All the work is completed. Training is ticked off. All the hard work is accomplished. Time for some relaxation now. Huge occasion tomorrow," he stated further.
Spitalfields Market in east London witnessed beyond typical items on the weighing platform as the two heavyweights squared up for the last occasion prior to fight night.
Parker winked at the camera and moved along to the tunes.
Showing off his muscles, he appeared hefty and powerful as he tipped the scales at eighteen stone ten pounds, just a handful of pounds lighter than his career-heaviest.
It is a far cry from the 16st 12lb version who lost his championship to AJ in 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I plan to fight fire with fire and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker declared.
I operate on a superior tier and will smash him - Parker
Wardley, wearing an Ipswich Town jersey, kept a straight face, nodded to the crowd, but appeared concentrated.
Although he is the less heavy fighter, Wardley has exceptional knockout power. He delivered a thrilling recovery against Huni in last June, trailing on the judges' cards before finishing his opponent in the tenth round although being outclassed for much of the contest.
"Parker, his camp and supporters will learn I am destined to be at the peak of this weight class," Fabio Wardley said.
"Every opponent has been the boxer critics say will beat me. Here we are again. His attributes include too quick, swift, too experienced. Yet My record is perfect so far, and no challenge will shift on fight night."
