Confident Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Lighter Compared to Bulky Parker

Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker

Location: The O2, London Fight Night: This Saturday, 25 October

Broadcast Details: Follow live text commentary and audio coverage via BBC Sounds plus digital platforms from 8:30 PM BST prior to moving to BBC 5 Live from 22:00.

Joseph Parker registered nearly 20 pounds heavier against Fabio Wardley as the two heavyweights cut self-assured poses - even if in different styles - for Saturday's main event in London.

From New Zealand Parker places his interim WBO title and shot to fight for the undisputed crown at stake against the unbeaten Fabio Wardley at the London venue.

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has signalled his plan to protect his world titles against the winner.

"This is it. It represents all," said a focused but focused Wardley, aged 30, at the Friday pre-fight ritual.

The Ipswich fighter - possessing the interim WBA title - weighed in at seventeen stone five pounds, consistent with his recent bouts.

"This contest leading up to the one. Every effort is completed. Preparation is completed. The intense training is put in. Time for some rest now. Big night ahead," he continued.

Spitalfields Market in the capital's east hosted more than fresh produce on the weighing platform as the two fighters squared up for the final time ahead of the main event.

Parker winked at the camera and moved along to the beat.

Flexing his physique, he seemed powerful and forceful as he weighed in at 119 kg, only five pounds lighter than his career-heaviest.

This represents a major change from the 16st 12lb iteration who surrendered his championship to AJ in the year 2018.

"We are cautious, we are careful, but I'm going to respond with equal force and I will reach him," Joseph Parker said.

Wardley, dressed in an football shirt, maintained a focused look, acknowledged the fans, but seemed concentrated.

Although he is the smaller man, Fabio Wardley has superb knockout power. He staged a dramatic recovery against Huni in last June, trailing on the scorecards prior to defeating his opponent in the final round despite being outboxed for much of the contest.

"Parker, his camp and supporters will learn I am meant to be at the peak of this heavyweight ranks," Fabio Wardley stated.

"Every opponent has been the boxer pundits predict will defeat me. This is that fight. His attributes include exceptional pace, swift, vastly experienced. Yet My record is perfect yet, and no one will alter on fight night."