Confident Fabio Wardley Tips the scales at 20lb Lighter Than Heavier Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Parker (left) is on a six-match unbeaten stretch, and KO specialist Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in 20 pro bouts.
Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley
Venue: London's O2 Arena, London Event Date: Weekend, 25 October
Live Updates: Catch round-by-round coverage and live radio via the BBC Sport website and mobile application starting at 20:30 BST then transitioning to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10 PM BST.
Joseph Parker weighed almost 20lb heavier compared to his opponent as each top fighters cut assured poses - even if in different ways - ahead of Saturday's feature bout in the capital.
From New Zealand Parker will put his interim WBO title and shot to compete for the undisputed crown up for grabs facing the perfect Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Unified division king Oleksandr Usyk has indicated his aim to defend his championship titles versus the winner.
"This is the moment. It represents the ultimate," remarked a serious but concentrated Fabio Wardley, thirty, at yesterday's scale ceremony.
Wardley - who holds the interim WBA title - registered at 17st 5lb, consistent with his latest fights.
"This contest prior to the big one. Every effort is done. Preparation is ticked off. The intense training is done. Let's get some rest now. Big night coming up," he continued.
The East London market in London's east end witnessed not just typical items on the scales as the both heavyweights squared up for the last occasion prior to fight night.
Joseph Parker flashed a wink at the camera and bobbed along to the tunes.
Showing off his physique, he seemed hefty and powerful as he weighed in at eighteen stone ten pounds, merely five pounds lighter than his career-heaviest.
This marks a far cry from the sixteen stone twelve pound version who was defeated his belt to Joshua in the year 2018.
"We are cautious, we are wary, but I plan to match him blow for blow and I'm going to get him," Joseph Parker stated.
I operate on a different level and will dominate him - Parker
Fabio Wardley, dressed in an Ipswich Town jersey, held a straight face, nodded to the crowd, but looked concentrated.
He may be the smaller man, Fabio Wardley has outstanding stopping ability. He staged a remarkable recovery facing his opponent in the summer, down on the scorecards before stopping his rival in the 10th round although being outboxed for much of the bout.
"Joseph Parker, his team and supporters are about to discover I am destined to be at the summit of this weight class," Fabio Wardley affirmed.
"Each rival has been the boxer experts claim will defeat me. Here we are again. He is too quick, rapid, vastly experienced. But I haven't been beaten so far, and nothing will alter on fight night."