Confident Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Less Than Substantial Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (left) is on a six-bout victory run, and knockout expert Fabio Wardley remains unbeaten in twenty pro bouts.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Location: London's O2 Arena, London Fight Night: This Saturday, the 25th of October
Live Updates: Follow live text commentary and live radio through BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application starting at half past eight UK time then transitioning to national radio from 10:00 PM.
Joseph Parker stepped onto the scales approximately twenty pounds above against his opponent as both heavyweights displayed confident figures - albeit in opposing styles - leading up to this weekend's feature bout in the UK.
Kiwi Joseph Parker will put his WBO interim championship and opportunity to fight for the world title on the line facing the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the London venue.
Reigning heavyweight champion Usyk has indicated his plan to defend his world titles versus the successful fighter.
"This is it. It represents all," remarked a determined but zoned-in Wardley, aged 30, at yesterday's pre-fight ritual.
Wardley - who holds the WBA 'interim' belt - came in at seventeen stone five pounds, consistent with his latest fights.
"This fight prior to the one. All preparation is done. Preparation is ticked off. The intense training is put in. Now for some downtime now. Big night coming up," he continued.
The historic venue in east London saw not just fresh produce on the scales as the pair of heavyweights squared up for the ultimate face-off prior to fight night.
Parker gave a wink at the camera and swayed along to the beat.
Flexing his muscles, he seemed powerful and powerful as he registered at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely a handful of pounds below than his heaviest ever.
This represents a far cry from the 16st 12lb iteration who was defeated his world title to AJ in 2018.
"We are cautious, we are wary, but I plan to fight fire with fire and I intend to connect with him," Parker said.
I'm at a superior tier and will dominate him - Parker
Wardley, sporting an football shirt, maintained a straight face, nodded to the crowd, but seemed zoned in.
He may be the less heavy fighter, Fabio Wardley has exceptional KO strength. He produced a remarkable recovery against Huni in June, down on the judges' cards then finishing his rival in the 10th round despite being outclassed for much of the bout.
"His opponent, his corner and boxing fans will learn I am meant to be at the summit of this division," Wardley said.
"Each rival has been the fighter critics claim will defeat me. This is that fight. He is exceptional pace, rapid, too experienced. However I remain unbeaten to date, and no one will change tomorrow night."
