Self-assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Below Than Bulky Joseph Parker
On-a-roll Parker (on the left) is on a six-match winning streak, and stoppage artist Fabio Wardley is undefeated in 20 career contests.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Fight Location: The O2, London Date: Saturday, the 25th of October
Coverage: Tune in for real-time updates and audio coverage on BBC Sounds plus digital platforms from half past eight UK time prior to moving to national radio from 10:00 PM.
Joseph Parker registered approximately twenty pounds heavier compared to his opponent as the two heavyweights cut assured appearances - although in opposing styles - leading up to the Saturday feature bout in the UK.
Kiwi Joseph Parker places his interim WBO title and opportunity to challenge for the global championship at stake against the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk has indicated his aim to retain his championship titles against the successful fighter.
"It all comes down to this. It represents the ultimate," stated a focused but zoned-in Wardley, thirty, at Friday's pre-fight ritual.
The Ipswich fighter - possessing the WBA 'interim' belt - registered at 17st 5lb, in line with his latest fights.
"This fight prior to the ultimate challenge. All the work is done. Training is completed. The intense training is put in. Let's get some rest now. Huge occasion coming up," he stated further.
The historic venue in the capital's east saw more than market goods on the weighing platform as the both heavyweights faced off for the last occasion prior to the bout.
Parker flashed a wink at the camera and swayed along to the tunes.
As he flexed his strength, he looked imposing and powerful as he weighed in at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely five pounds below than his peak weight.
It is a major change from the 107 kg version who surrendered his belt to Anthony Joshua in the year 2018.
"We are alert, we are wary, but I plan to respond with equal force and I will reach him," Joseph Parker stated.
I'm at a different level and will smash him - Parker
Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich Town jersey, maintained a serious expression, greeted the crowd, but seemed concentrated.
Despite being the less heavy fighter, Wardley has superb stopping ability. He delivered a remarkable recovery against his opponent in the summer, trailing on the scorecards before finishing his opponent in the 10th round even though being outmaneuvered for the majority of the fight.
"Parker, his camp and boxing fans will learn I am destined to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Fabio Wardley stated.
"All challengers has been the fighter pundits predict will defeat me. Here we are again. He is exceptional pace, swift, vastly experienced. Yet I remain unbeaten so far, and nothing will change on fight night."
