Self-assured Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Lighter Compared to Substantial Parker
In-form Joseph Parker (on the left) is on a six-fight victory run, while knockout expert Fabio Wardley is undefeated in twenty career contests.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Venue: The O2, the capital Event Date: Saturday, the 25th of October
Live Updates: Catch real-time updates and live radio via BBC Sounds and mobile application from 8:30 PM BST then transitioning to BBC 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
The New Zealand fighter weighed nearly twenty pounds more compared to the British boxer as both big men cut assured poses - even if in different manners - ahead of Saturday's headliner in the UK.
New Zealand's Joseph Parker is risking his WBO 'interim' belt and opportunity to challenge for the global championship up for grabs against the undefeated Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.
Unified division king Oleksandr Usyk has made clear his plan to protect his championship titles facing the victor.
"It all comes down to this. It represents everything," said a determined but zoned-in Fabio Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday pre-fight ritual.
The British contender - who holds the interim WBA title - registered at 110 kg, in line with his recent bouts.
"This contest before the big one. All preparation is done. Camp is ticked off. The grueling sessions is put in. Now for some rest now. Major event tomorrow," he continued.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end hosted more than market goods on the measure as the pair of fighters confronted each other for the ultimate face-off ahead of the bout.
Parker winked at the lenses and swayed along to the music.
Showing off his muscles, he appeared imposing and powerful as he registered at 119 kg, just five pounds below than his career-heaviest.
It is a major change from the sixteen stone twelve pound iteration who surrendered his world title to Joshua in 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I plan to match him blow for blow and I intend to connect with him," Joseph Parker stated.
I operate on a higher plane and will smash him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, wearing an football shirt, held a serious expression, acknowledged the audience, but appeared zoned in.
Although he is the less heavy fighter, Fabio Wardley has outstanding stopping ability. He produced a thrilling recovery versus Justis Huni in last June, down on the official tallies prior to finishing his rival in the final round despite being outboxed for most of the contest.
"His opponent, his corner and boxing fans will learn I belong to be at the peak of this division," Wardley said.
"All challengers has been the fighter pundits predict will defeat me. This is that fight. His attributes include superior speed, rapid, highly seasoned. Yet I haven't been beaten so far, and no one will change in the ring."
