AJ backing Parker to beat Fury
AUCKLAND: British heavyweight superstar Anthony Joshua has backed New Zealand counterpart Joseph Parker to defeat upcoming opponent Hughie Fury by late stoppage in Sunday’s fight in Manchester.
Despite the 23yearold Fury’s home advantage and an unbeaten professional record of 200, WBO champion Parker heads into the bout as firm favourite.
He will transfer from London to Manchester on Thursday, knowing a statement victory is crucial for his future prospects in the United Kingdom.
Joshua, the reigning IBO, IBF and WBA champion who defeated Wladimir Klitschko in April, backed the 25yearold Parker to do so.
He said he would eventually face the Aucklander in the ring.
‘‘We have to come together to keep the division alive,’’ Joshua said.
‘‘All heavyweights have got an opportunity to make a big play in the division, and I’ll definitely give all these guys an opportunity.
‘‘If I fought [British boxers] Daniel Dubois or Joe Joyce tomorrow it’d be a big fight — it’s just the way the division’s rocking at the minute.’’
Parker’s task remains complicated by the appointment of Briton Terry O’Connor as referee for the bout and his camp has complained of potential bias.
An appeal to the British Boxing Board of Control has fallen on deaf ears, according to Parker’s promoter, Duco Events.
O’Connor controlled both of Fury’s two fights last year.
As a result, Parker may have to force a stoppage, as Joshua foresaw.
The Londonbased Joshua will fight Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in late October. — NZN