Self-assured Fabio Wardley Weighs Twenty Pounds Less Compared to Heavier Joseph Parker

Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash

Fight Location: The O2, the capital Event Date: This Saturday, October 25

Live Updates: Follow live text commentary and listen via BBC Sounds plus digital platforms starting at 8:30 PM BST then transitioning to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10:00 PM.

Joseph Parker weighed nearly twenty pounds above compared to Fabio Wardley as both big men displayed confident appearances - although in different ways - leading up to the Saturday headliner in the capital.

From New Zealand Parker places his WBO interim championship and opportunity to fight for the global championship on the line versus the undefeated Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has indicated his intention to retain his championship titles versus the winner.

"It all comes down to this. It represents everything," said a determined but focused Fabio Wardley, aged 30, at yesterday's pre-fight ritual.

The Ipswich fighter - who holds the WBA 'interim' belt - registered at seventeen stone five pounds, matching his previous matches.

"This fight prior to the one. All preparation is finished. Camp is ticked off. All the hard work is accomplished. Now for some downtime now. Major event coming up," he stated further.

The historic venue in London's east end saw not just fresh produce on the scales as the two heavyweights confronted each other for the ultimate face-off before the bout.

Joseph Parker flashed a wink at the photographers and bobbed along to the music.

Flexing his muscles, he seemed imposing and forceful as he weighed in at eighteen stone ten pounds, only a handful of pounds below than his peak weight.

It is a far cry from the 16st 12lb fighter who lost his championship to Joshua in the year 2018.

"We're weary, we're cautious, but I plan to match him blow for blow and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker declared.

Fabio Wardley, sporting an football shirt, maintained a straight face, acknowledged the audience, but seemed zoned in.

Although he is the smaller man, Fabio Wardley has superb stopping ability. He staged a remarkable comeback versus Huni in the summer, down on the official tallies prior to stopping his rival in the tenth round despite being outclassed for much of the contest.

"Parker, his team and the sport's followers will find out I belong to be at the summit of this weight class," Wardley stated.

"All challengers has been the one critics predict will defeat me. Here we are again. He's too quick, swift, vastly experienced. Yet I haven't been beaten so far, and no challenge will shift in the ring."