Confident Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Than Substantial Parker

Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash

Fight Location: London's O2 Arena, the capital Event Date: Saturday, the 25th of October

Live Updates: Catch live text commentary and listen through the BBC Sport website and mobile application starting at 8:30 PM BST then transitioning to BBC 5 Live from 10 PM BST.

Parker registered almost 20 pounds heavier than his opponent as both top fighters presented self-assured poses - even if in contrasting ways - ahead of this weekend's headliner in the UK.

Kiwi Joseph Parker places his WBO 'interim' belt and opportunity to compete for the undisputed crown at stake versus the undefeated Wardley at the O2 Arena.

Undisputed heavyweight champion the champion has made clear his aim to retain his championship titles facing the winner.

"This is it. It signifies all," said a focused but zoned-in Fabio Wardley, thirty, at Friday's pre-fight ritual.

Wardley - possessing the interim WBA title - registered at 110 kg, consistent with his latest fights.

"This is the one prior to the one. All the work is completed. Camp is ticked off. The intense training is put in. Let's get some downtime now. Huge occasion ahead," he added.

The historic venue in east London witnessed beyond market goods on the measure as the pair of heavyweights confronted each other for the ultimate face-off ahead of the main event.

Joseph Parker gave a wink at the camera and swayed along to the tunes.

Flexing his physique, he looked hefty and powerful as he registered at 119 kg, merely 5lb lighter than his peak weight.

This represents a far cry from the sixteen stone twelve pound version who surrendered his belt to Anthony Joshua in 2018.

"We're weary, we're cautious, but I plan to match him blow for blow and I'm going to get him," Parker said.

Wardley, wearing an Ipswich top, held a straight face, greeted the fans, but seemed zoned in.

He may be the less heavy fighter, Wardley has outstanding stopping ability. He produced a thrilling turnaround against Justis Huni in June, behind on the official tallies then defeating his opponent in the tenth round although being outboxed for much of the fight.

"Parker, his team and boxing fans will learn I belong to be at the summit of this heavyweight ranks," Wardley said.

"Each rival has been the boxer critics predict will defeat me. This is that fight. He is too quick, too fast, vastly experienced. Yet I haven't been beaten so far, and no challenge will shift in the ring."