LONDON. — Dillian Whyte was over a stone heavier than Joseph Parker ahead of tonight’s heavyweight showdown at London’s O2 Arena.

The British fighter tipped the scales at 18st 6lbs 9oz, while Parker came in at 17st 4lbs as they weighed in for today’s crucial clash at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office, with the winner staying in contention for a world title fight.

Whyte was nearly five pounds heavier than for his last win over Lucas Browne, with Parker six pounds more than when he fought Anthony Joshua in March, and both men went nose-to-nose when they stepped off the scales.

On the undercard, Dereck Chisora was slightly heavier at 17st 11lbs 7oz for his heavyweight fight with Carlos Takam, with the France-based Cameroonian coming in at 17st 8lbs 3oz, and security separated both men after a lengthy stare.

Katie Taylor successfully made the lightweight limit as she puts her WBA and IBF titles at stake against IBF mandatory challenger Kimberly Connor, who was also inside the 9st 9lb mark.

Conor Benn shouted “come on” after he weighed in for his welterweight rematch with Cedrick Peynaud on the same bill.

The sizeable weight difference in the main bout was not a surprise to Whyte, who insists he still has enough speed to overcome the New Zealander.

“I was always going to come in as the heavier man because I’m the naturally bigger man,” said Whyte.

“It was short camp so we didn’t want to focus on draining. We just wanted to get the weight down to somewhere we could move, and be effective, and move as quick as I could.

“I’ve got speed, timing and a lot of power.

“I am cool, calm and collected which he has taken for weakness. I’ll show him that the Junkyard Dog is still here, he’s just behaving himself. Don’t take my kindness for weakness.”

But Parker was not daunted by his close encounter with Whyte and promised an explosive ending to their fight.

“All the talking has been done, I’m looking forward to getting in the ring and letting my hands go,” said Parker.

“The weight isn’t a problem as long as you feel comfortable. Coming in heavier will mean I trade more.

“That’s the first time I’ve been nose-to-nose with someone. I wasn’t intimated, it was something new.

“I’ll leave everything in the ring, someone is going to get knocked out.” — SkySports.

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