Self-assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Below Compared to Bulky Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Joseph Parker (left) has a six-bout unbeaten stretch, whereas stoppage specialist Fabio Wardley is undefeated in 20 pro bouts.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Venue: London's O2 Arena, the capital Fight Night: Saturday, the 25th of October
Coverage: Tune in for real-time updates and listen through the BBC Sport website plus digital platforms from 20:30 BST before switching to national radio from 22:00.
Joseph Parker stepped onto the scales approximately 20 pounds more against Fabio Wardley as the two heavyweights cut assured figures - although in contrasting styles - ahead of the Saturday feature bout in the capital.
Kiwi Parker places his WBO interim championship and opportunity to fight for the undisputed crown on the line facing the undefeated Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Undisputed division king Oleksandr Usyk has made clear his plan to retain his world titles against the victor.
"It all comes down to this. It signifies everything," remarked a serious but focused Fabio Wardley, thirty, at yesterday's weigh-in.
The British contender - the holder of the WBA interim strap - weighed in at 17st 5lb, consistent with his latest fights.
"This fight leading up to the one. Every effort is finished. Camp is wrapped up. The grueling sessions is done. Time for some downtime now. Huge occasion ahead," he stated further.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end saw beyond market goods on the weighing platform as the pair of fighters confronted each other for the final time prior to the bout.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the lenses and bobbed along to the music.
As he flexed his physique, he looked powerful and forceful as he weighed in at eighteen stone ten pounds, just five pounds below than his heaviest ever.
It is a far cry from the 107 kg fighter who lost his championship to Anthony Joshua in the year 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I will to fight fire with fire and I will reach him," Parker stated.
I operate on a superior tier and will dominate him - Parker
Wardley, sporting an Ipswich top, kept a focused look, greeted the fans, but appeared concentrated.
Despite being the less heavy fighter, Wardley has outstanding KO strength. He delivered a remarkable recovery versus his opponent in June, down on the official tallies then finishing his foe in the tenth round even though being outboxed for much of the contest.
"His opponent, his camp and supporters will find out I am destined to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Fabio Wardley said.
"All challengers has been the fighter critics claim will beat me. Here we are again. He's superior speed, too fast, vastly experienced. Yet I haven't been beaten so far, and no challenge will shift on fight night."