Assured Wardley Weighs 20lb Lighter Than Bulky Parker
In-form Parker (on the left) has a six-match unbeaten stretch, whereas stoppage artist Wardley has a perfect record in 20 career contests.
Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker
Location: O2 Arena, the capital Date: Weekend, 25 October
Broadcast Details: Catch round-by-round coverage and audio coverage via the BBC Sport website and app starting at 20:30 BST then transitioning to national radio from 10 PM BST.
Parker stepped onto the scales approximately 20 pounds heavier against Fabio Wardley as each big men presented assured poses - although in different ways - leading up to the Saturday headliner in London.
From New Zealand Joseph Parker is risking his WBO interim championship and opportunity to compete for the global championship up for grabs versus the unbeaten Wardley at the London venue.
Unified division king the champion has indicated his plan to retain his world titles facing the victor.
"It all comes down to this. It represents all," said a focused but concentrated Wardley, aged 30, at yesterday's pre-fight ritual.
Wardley - the holder of the interim WBA title - registered at 110 kg, matching his latest fights.
"This is the one leading up to the ultimate challenge. Every effort is done. Training is ticked off. The intense training is put in. Time for some rest now. Major event ahead," he stated further.
Spitalfields Market in east London witnessed beyond market goods on the scales as the both boxers confronted each other for the last occasion ahead of fight night.
Joseph Parker gave a wink at the photographers and bobbed along to the beat.
As he flexed his muscles, he seemed imposing and strong as he weighed in at 119 kg, just 5lb less than his career-heaviest.
This represents a far cry from the sixteen stone twelve pound iteration who lost his belt to AJ in 2018.
"We are alert, we are wary, but I'm going to match him blow for blow and I will reach him," Joseph Parker said.
I operate on a higher plane and will dominate him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, wearing an football shirt, kept a focused look, acknowledged the audience, but looked zoned in.
He may be the smaller man, Wardley has exceptional stopping ability. He delivered a dramatic recovery against his opponent in last June, behind on the scorecards then finishing his opponent in the 10th round despite being outclassed for the majority of the bout.
"Parker, his corner and boxing fans are about to discover I belong to be at the peak of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley stated.
"Every opponent has been the fighter pundits claim will defeat me. Here we are again. His attributes include too quick, too fast, vastly experienced. However I haven't been beaten yet, and no one will shift in the ring."