JOSEPH PARKER beefed up to weigh more than a STONE heavier than Fabio Wardley as his body continues to transform.
Parker faces Wardley TONIGHT – live on DAZN PPV – and does so after hitting the scales at 18st 10lb.
And he said: “I’m heavy and I’m strong and I’m ready to go.
“I’m serious about my work. I’m going to punch holes in him tomorrow and teach him a lesson.”
Wardley was meanwhile 17st on the nose and responded: “This is it, this means everything. This is the one before the one.
“All the work is done, training is ticked off, all the hard work is put in. I’ll get some rest now. Big night coming up tomorrow.”
Parker – the former WBO heavyweight world champion – fought as light as 15st 7lb in 2013 when he beat Afa Tatupu.
The night he won the title against Andy Ruiz Jr in 2016, the New Zealander weighed 17st 5lb and then only 16st 8lb for his loss to Anthony Joshua two years later.
But after linking up with nutritionist and strength and conditioning coach George Lockhart – Parker has piled on the pounds.
For his last fight in February against Martin Bakole – a last-minute replacement for Daniel Dubois – Parker was a huge 19 STONE.
Parker vs Wardley – all the info
HEAVYWEIGHT boxing is back on the agenda!
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
JOSEPH PARKER VS FABIO WARDLEY: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT AT LONDON’S O2 ARENA
He has come down ever so slightly to fight Wardley – who carries dangerous punch power into the title eliminator.
But Parker, 33, said: “We’ve done everything in camp to prepare for what he brings.
“We’re cautious, but I’m going to fight fire with fire and I’m going to get to him.”
The winner is primed for a shot at undisputed kingpin Oleksandr Usyk – with Wardley the underdog to snatch the dream fight away from Parker.
But Wardley, 30, reassured: “It’s nothing new to me. Every step has been a step too far.
“Every opponent has been the opponent that was going to beat me; He’s too quick, he’s too fast, too much experience but I haven’t been beat yet and nothing’s going to change tomorrow night.”
