THE heavyweight division takes centre stage this weekend when Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley meet at the O2 Arena in London.
Both are leading contenders looking to secure a title shot at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Parker is gambling a career resurgence which has put him at the front of the queue to face Usyk while Wardley has powered into contention despite only having 20 fights to his name.
Former WBO champion Parker is the favourite to prevail but what are the opinions of his peers? Boxing News spoke to seven other heavyweights to get their thoughts.
Charles Martin (30-4-1, 27 KOs)
That’s going to be a great fight. I want to say Wardley, he got a punch. One thing about it he can be getting beat up the whole fight and then land something and it be over. Plus, I want to fight him.
Dave Allen (24-8-2, 19 KOs)
I think Parker will stop Wardley. Too experienced and too good.
Frazer Clarke (9-1-1, 7 KOs)
It’s a good fight. I think Parker will go in as favourite for various reasons but you can’t ever write Wardley off. I know what he does more than anyone so you can’t write him off.
Guido Vianello (14-3-1, 12 KOs)
I think that Joseph Parker is the man right now. Usyk, Itauma and Parker – this is the top three heavyweights. I think Parker will win this fight by KO because Parker is fast and strong.
Jeamie TKV (8-2, 5 KOs)
I think Fabio beats him. The way he fights, he’s intense, throws a lot of shots so even if he doesn’t knock him out I feel like Fabio could actually win on points.
Jermaine Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs)
I think they have two good styles that complement each other. I’d like to see Fabio pull it out.
Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs)
I think Parker is going to win.
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