Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker says he is “focused and prepared” before Saturday’s fight against Fabio Wardley, who hopes to rely on his punching power to get through their bout at London’s O2 Arena.
READ MORE: ‘I watched Parker from the pub, now I’m fighting him’
Listen to Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website & app on Saturday, 25 October.
The Ipswich fighter came in at 17st 5lb (110 kg), consistent with his recent bouts.
“This is the one before the one. All the work is done. Training is ticked off. All the hard work is put in. Let’s get some rest now. Big night coming up tomorrow,” he added.
Spitalfields Market in east London saw more than fresh produce on the scales as the two heavyweights squared up for the final time before fight night.
Parker winked at the camera and bobbed along to the music.
As he flexed his muscles, he looked hefty and powerful as he tipped the scales at 18st 10lb (119 kg), just five pounds lighter than his career-heaviest.
It is a far cry from the 16st 12lb (107 kg) version who lost his world title to Anthony Joshua in 2018.
“We’re weary, we’re cautious, but I’m going to fight fire with fire and I’m going to get to him,” Parker said.
MOSES ITAUMA and Dillian Whyte will go head-to-head in a mammoth heavyweight clash THIS SATURDAY!
Itauma will be aiming to take another huge step towards a world heavyweight title shot with victory over his fellow Brit.
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MOSES ITAUMA VS DILLIAN WHYTE: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
WATCH ITAUMA VS WHYTE LIVE ON DAZN
The exciting youngster is ranked No1 by the WBO after he knocked out Mike Balogun in May to take his flawless record to 12-0.
Itauma is the big favourite to beat veteran Whyte, who is almost double his age.
The Bodysnatcher is looking to pull off a huge upset as he looks to revive his career after underwhelming wins against Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh in 2024.
A win for Whyte could potentially set up a blockbuster rematch with Anthony Joshua or a trilogy bout against Derek Chisora.
But defeat may see the 37-year-old’s time as a top heavyweight come to an end.
SunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of Itamua vs Whyte.
One of the biggest fights of the year has arrived
The highly-touted Moses Itauma faces the biggest test of his fledgling career as he steps into the ring with Dillian Whyte on Saturday night.
Itauma, 20, has great expectations on his shoulders – he has been compared to Mike Tyson and is expected by many to dominate boxing’s heavyweight division over the next decade.
But the Slovakian-born star – who sits at 12-0 (10KOs) is yet to face a test anywhere close to what Whyte can offer.
The Body Snatcher is now 37 and has not looked great in his last couple of fights, but the former world title challenger knows an upset win would catapult him right back to the top table.
Watch Itauma vs Whyte LIVE on DAZN
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight…
INFO
LATEST NEWS
Here are all the bouts taking place in Saudi Arabia:
Subject to change
MOSES ITAUMA and Dillian Whyte will go head-to-head in a mammoth heavyweight clash THIS WEEKEND!
Itauma will be aiming to take another huge step towards a world heavyweight title shot with victory over his fellow Brit.
3
3
3
MOSES ITAUMA VS DILLIAN WHYTE: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
WATCH ITAUMA VS WHYTE LIVE ON DAZN
The exciting youngster is ranked No1 by the WBO after he knocked out Mike Balogun in May to take his flawless record to 12-0.
Itauma is the big favourite to beat veteran Whyte, who is almost double his age.
The Bodysnatcher is looking to pull off a huge upset as he looks to revive his career after underwhelming wins against Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh in 2024.
A win for Whyte could potentially set up a blockbuster rematch with Anthony Joshua or a trilogy bout against Derek Chisora.
But defeat may see the 37-year-old’s time as a top heavyweight come to an end.
SunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of Itamua vs Whyte.
One of the biggest fights of the year has arrived
The highly-touted Moses Itauma faces the biggest test of his fledgling career as he steps into the ring with Dillian Whyte on Saturday night.
Itauma, 20, has great expectations on his shoulders – he has been compared to Mike Tyson and is expected by many to dominate boxing’s heavyweight division over the next decade.
But the Slovakian-born star – who sits at 12-0 (10KOs) is yet to face a test anywhere close to what Whyte can offer.
The Body Snatcher is now 37 and has not looked great in his last couple of fights, but the former world title challenger knows an upset win would catapult him right back to the top table.
Watch Itauma vs Whyte LIVE on DAZN
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight…
INFO
LATEST NEWS
Here are all the bouts taking place in Saudi Arabia:
Subject to change
There were whispers Joshua and Fury would be at ringside for Usyk v Dubois but there was no sign of either man when the first bell rang.
Joshua had surgery on his elbow earlier this year and is not expected to fight before November at the earliest. He has been open about talks with Riyadh Season over a new fight deal and has said he Fury sits atop his wishlist.
Fury is technically still retired but seems to be moving towards a comeback in 2026.
However, Fury, 36, called out Usyk for his return instead of what seems an obvious fight with Joshua.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, told BBC Sport: “You never know what Fury is thinking. When everyone in the world wants to see AJ v Fury, he starts calling out Usyk.
“They are in similar positions where they have both lost twice to Usyk, the third fight isn’t really commercially interesting to the money men or the fans.
“I understand both guys would like a third crack at the cherry, but in terms of public desire AJ v Fury remains the biggest fight in boxing.”