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'Trimmer' Botha shocks Parker

Cape Town - Boxers Joseph Parker and Francois Botha have made their final weigh-ins ahead of Thursday's heavyweight clash in Auckland.

According to the stuff.co.nz website, Parker, 21, weighed in at 102.9kg, while his out-spoken South African opponent measured up at a hefty 116.5kg at Trusts Stadium, where the fight will take place.

Parker, who recently returned from a two-month training camp in Las Vegas with Kevin Barry, wasn't concerned with the 13.6kg difference. He admitted that he actually thought Botha, 44, would have been heavier.

''He's a bit trimmer than before,'' he said.

''He told me he was going to be ready for the fight. He told everyone he would be ready for the fight, and that he doesn't want to lose to Baby Joseph. If he's comfortable with that weight, he's come prepared.''

The 1.97m tall Parker said he intends to use his height advantage over the 1.88m Botha.

''Botha is a bit shorter than me, so I'll use the jab in the beginning and hopefully work away at him from a distance,'' he said.

The bout is expected to start around 09:30 SA time.

Francois Botha (Gallo Images)

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