Assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Than Heavier Parker
In-form Parker (on the left) boasts a six-match winning streak, whereas knockout expert Fabio Wardley is undefeated in twenty professional fights.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Venue: O2 Arena, the capital Date: Weekend, the 25th of October
Live Updates: Follow real-time updates and listen via BBC 5 Live Sports Extra plus digital platforms starting at 20:30 BST before switching to national radio from 22:00.
Joseph Parker weighed almost 20lb above against Fabio Wardley as each big men presented self-assured figures - albeit in different ways - ahead of this weekend's headliner in London.
Kiwi Parker is risking his interim WBO title and chance to fight for the undisputed crown up for grabs facing the undefeated Fabio Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Unified top heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk has signalled his plan to protect his four belts facing the successful fighter.
"This is the moment. This means the ultimate," remarked a serious but zoned-in Fabio Wardley, thirty, at Friday's scale ceremony.
Wardley - possessing the WBA 'interim' belt - weighed in at 17st 5lb, consistent with his recent bouts.
"This is the one prior to the ultimate challenge. Every effort is done. Preparation is wrapped up. The grueling sessions is done. Now for some downtime now. Huge occasion ahead," he stated further.
The East London market in the capital's east saw beyond typical items on the weighing platform as the two heavyweights faced off for the last occasion ahead of the bout.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the lenses and swayed along to the music.
Showing off his strength, he seemed hefty and forceful as he registered at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely five pounds less than his heaviest ever.
This marks a significant difference from the 16st 12lb fighter who was defeated his belt to Anthony Joshua in the year 2018.
"We're weary, we're cautious, but I will to respond with equal force and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker stated.
I have reached a different level and will dominate him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, sporting an Ipswich top, kept a serious expression, acknowledged the crowd, but looked concentrated.
Although he is the lighter guy, Fabio Wardley has superb stopping ability. He delivered a dramatic comeback facing Huni in last June, behind on the official tallies then finishing his opponent in the final round despite being outmaneuvered for the majority of the contest.
"His opponent, his team and the sport's followers will learn I am destined to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley affirmed.
"Each rival has been the one experts say will overcome me. This is the one. His attributes include exceptional pace, swift, too experienced. However I haven't been beaten so far, and nothing will change on fight night."