Self-assured Wardley Weighs Twenty Pounds Less Below Than Bulky Joseph Parker

Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker

Venue: O2 Arena, the capital Date: Weekend, the 25th of October

Coverage: Tune in for round-by-round coverage and audio coverage on the BBC Sport website and app from 8:30 PM BST prior to moving to BBC 5 Live from 10 PM BST.

The New Zealand fighter weighed nearly twenty pounds above compared to his opponent as the two heavyweights displayed confident poses - albeit in opposing ways - for this weekend's feature bout in the UK.

Kiwi Joseph Parker is risking his WBO interim championship and shot to fight for the global championship up for grabs versus the undefeated Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena.

Reigning division king Usyk has made clear his aim to retain his four belts versus the victor.

"This is it. It signifies everything," remarked a determined but zoned-in Fabio Wardley, 30, at Friday's scale ceremony.

The Ipswich fighter - the holder of the WBA interim strap - came in at 17st 5lb, consistent with his previous matches.

"This is the one before the one. Every effort is completed. Preparation is completed. The intense training is put in. Time for some downtime now. Huge occasion ahead," he stated further.

Spitalfields Market in the capital's east hosted more than fresh produce on the measure as the two heavyweights confronted each other for the last occasion ahead of fight night.

Joseph Parker gave a wink at the lenses and bobbed along to the beat.

Flexing his strength, he seemed powerful and forceful as he weighed in at 18st 10lb, only five pounds less than his peak weight.

This marks a far cry from the 107 kg fighter who lost his championship to Anthony Joshua in 2018.

"We are cautious, we are wary, but I'm going to match him blow for blow and I intend to connect with him," Parker said.

Fabio Wardley, wearing an Ipswich top, maintained a straight face, acknowledged the fans, but seemed focused.

Although he is the smaller man, Fabio Wardley has superb stopping ability. He delivered a thrilling recovery facing Justis Huni in the summer, trailing on the scorecards before defeating his opponent in the tenth round although being outmaneuvered for the majority of the bout.

"His opponent, his team and supporters are about to discover I belong to be at the summit of this division," Fabio Wardley affirmed.

"All challengers has been the boxer critics predict will defeat me. Here we are again. His attributes include superior speed, too fast, vastly experienced. However I remain unbeaten yet, and no one will shift on fight night."