Joshua jabs Parker to go the distance
Anthony Joshua has thrown another pre-fight jab at Kiwi Joseph Parker, suggesting he comes ready to fight in Cardiff at the end of next month to avoid an early KO.
‘‘I hope he’s training well,’’ Joshua told Sky Sports. ‘‘I hope he’s fit, because you know what it is right, people wait 10-12 weeks for us to come together and no-one wants to lay down in the first or second round.
‘‘I hope he’s fit and he’s ready for a good fight, because I am.’’
Parker’s last three fights have gone the distance.
Joshua (20-0) and Parker (24-0) have agreed to put their IBF, WBA Super, IBO and WBO belts and unbeaten records on the line in a winner-takes-all contest.
Parker’s and Joshua’s camps have been trading barbs in the leadup to the fight, including recent comments from Parker’s trainer Kevin Barry, who suggested Joshua had a suspect chin.
‘‘I think he [Joshua] doesn’t take criticism that well,’’ said Parker, who has won 18 of his 24 fights through knock out.
‘‘I think we did get under his skin, our team has said a few things that got him a bit upset and angry.
‘‘But I think when we meet there is a lot of respect, he’s a respectable guy and he’s a gentleman and there’s a lot to like about him, but when we get in the ring it’s going to be business.’’
Parker also admitted the amount of people who have written him off had lit a fire inside him.
‘‘A lot of people have ruled me out and say he’s already won the fight. But it is extra motivation and drive to put everything into training and come out as the champion that I am.’’