Assured Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Less Compared to Substantial Parker

Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker

Location: O2 Arena, the capital Event Date: Saturday, October 25

Live Updates: Catch round-by-round coverage and audio coverage through the BBC Sport website and mobile application from 8:30 PM BST prior to moving to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10:00 PM.

Parker weighed almost 20 pounds heavier than his opponent as each heavyweights displayed confident poses - albeit in contrasting manners - for this weekend's feature bout in the capital.

From New Zealand Joseph Parker will put his WBO interim championship and opportunity to challenge for the world title at stake versus the perfect Wardley at the premier boxing arena.

Reigning heavyweight champion Usyk has indicated his aim to retain his world titles facing the winner.

"This is the moment. It represents the ultimate," stated a serious but zoned-in Wardley, aged 30, at yesterday's scale ceremony.

Wardley - the holder of the interim WBA title - weighed in at seventeen stone five pounds, consistent with his previous matches.

"This is the one prior to the ultimate challenge. All the work is done. Preparation is completed. The grueling sessions is done. Let's get some rest now. Major event tomorrow," he stated further.

The historic venue in east London saw beyond fresh produce on the weighing platform as the two fighters confronted each other for the last occasion ahead of the bout.

Joseph Parker winked at the lenses and swayed along to the beat.

As he flexed his strength, he looked imposing and strong as he weighed in at 119 kg, only 5lb less than his career-heaviest.

This represents a far cry from the 16st 12lb version who surrendered his world title to Joshua in 2018.

"We are alert, we are careful, but I plan to match him blow for blow and I will reach him," Joseph Parker said.

Wardley, dressed in an football shirt, maintained a serious expression, acknowledged the crowd, but appeared concentrated.

Although he is the smaller man, Wardley has superb knockout power. He staged a thrilling recovery versus Huni in the summer, down on the scorecards then finishing his rival in the tenth round even though being outclassed for much of the bout.

"Joseph Parker, his camp and boxing fans will learn I am meant to be at the top of this heavyweight ranks," Fabio Wardley stated.

"All challengers has been the one pundits predict will overcome me. This is the one. His attributes include exceptional pace, rapid, too experienced. But I haven't been beaten yet, and no challenge will shift tomorrow night."