Confident Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Less Than Bulky Parker
In-form Parker (left) boasts a six-match unbeaten stretch, and knockout specialist Fabio Wardley remains unbeaten in 20 career contests.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Fight Location: London's O2 Arena, London Event Date: Weekend, the 25th of October
Live Updates: Tune in for real-time updates and listen through the BBC Sport website and mobile application from 8:30 PM BST prior to moving to national radio from 10:00 PM.
Parker stepped onto the scales nearly twenty pounds heavier than Fabio Wardley as the two heavyweights cut confident poses - albeit in contrasting styles - ahead of the Saturday main event in the UK.
New Zealand's Joseph Parker will put his interim WBO title and chance to challenge for the global championship on the line against the perfect Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Undisputed heavyweight champion the champion has indicated his plan to protect his world titles facing the successful fighter.
"It all comes down to this. This means the ultimate," remarked a serious but zoned-in Wardley, thirty, at Friday's pre-fight ritual.
Wardley - the holder of the WBA interim strap - registered at seventeen stone five pounds, in line with his previous matches.
"This fight leading up to the big one. All the work is finished. Preparation is ticked off. All the hard work is done. Now for some relaxation now. Huge occasion coming up," he added.
The East London market in the capital's east witnessed not just fresh produce on the weighing platform as the both boxers confronted each other for the ultimate face-off before fight night.
Joseph Parker winked at the camera and swayed along to the beat.
Showing off his physique, he appeared imposing and strong as he tipped the scales at 18st 10lb, merely five pounds below than his peak weight.
This marks a significant difference from the 107 kg iteration who surrendered his belt to Anthony Joshua in 2018.
"We are alert, we are wary, but I plan to respond with equal force and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker said.
I'm at a higher plane and will dominate him - Parker
Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich top, kept a straight face, greeted the crowd, but seemed zoned in.
He may be the smaller man, Fabio Wardley has exceptional KO strength. He delivered a remarkable turnaround against Justis Huni in the summer, trailing on the judges' cards before defeating his foe in the final round even though being outmaneuvered for the majority of the contest.
"His opponent, his team and boxing fans are about to discover I am meant to be at the peak of this division," Fabio Wardley stated.
"All challengers has been the fighter pundits claim will beat me. This is that fight. He's too quick, swift, vastly experienced. Yet I remain unbeaten to date, and nothing will change in the ring."
