Joshua’s got real six appeal, says Hearn
PROMOTER Eddie Hearn is backing Anthony Joshua to “finish it inside six rounds” when he fights Joseph Parker in Cardiff tomorrow.
British heavyweight star Joshua, 28, will put his WBA and IBF titles on the line against WBO champion Parker in front of a capacity Principality Stadium crowd.
It will be Joshua’s sixth world title fight in only his 21st professional bout, and he is widely expected to claim another notable victory.
“I thought this fight was going to go late,” Hearn said at Cardiff’s City Hall yesterday, when the show’s undercard fighters were presented to the media.
“But I have got a funny feeling seeing Joshua and his edge this week, that he is going to finish it inside six rounds.
“It’s a massive fight for AJ, and it’s high pressure.
“Of course, he has got this reputation of being a massive star, but he is still learning, and to be in these kind of fights this dangerous this early in his career, he’s a little bit edgy.
“He is ready to fight, and he knows how tough a fight it is. He is ready, he is looking in great shape and I think ready to add another belt to the collection.”
American Deontay Wilder is a potential opponent for Joshua further down the line, and Hearn admitted that “it is important to get him in the ring at some stage,” but all attention is currently concentrated on the challenge posed by unbeaten New Zealander Parker.
“People don’t realise that he (Joshua) is moving so quickly,” Hearn added.
“He will give them (the public) every fight they want, they just have to stay patient and follow the journey, and hopefully for many years to come.
“The only danger is that he does it all before he is ready.
“As a heavyweight, I think he wants to go on to his mid-30s, so we want to take it at the right pace, but at the same time we have to listen to the demand of the fans and know that he wants to give them what they want, not just our broadcasters.”
Joshua has captured the British public’s imagination after following up his London 2012 Olympic gold medal by stopping all 20 of his opponents in the paid ranks, and the Parker bout will be his third successive stadium fight, with a crowd of around 75,000 expected.
Speaking at Wednesday night’s open workouts at St David’s Hall, Joshua said he is not about to believe in his own hype.
“You still need to keep that challenger’s mindset. I’m still the challenger in my head,” he said.
“Sometimes I try and not be seen with the belts too much, I let other people do the enjoyment because I’ve got to do the challenger mindset.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of Parker but, just because now I’m the hunted, it’s not time to put my feet up and relax, I’m out there defending my throne on Saturday night.”
With a glittering record and his everexpanding popularity behind him, the 28-year-old says his confidence is improving.
He said: “Physically I’ve always tried to prepare myself the best way. Not only that, I’m starting to believe in myself which is important. I’m believing in my ability, I’m focused.”
Responding to Parker’s earlier claim of a “war”, Joshua responded: “It’s silly, it’s boxing.
“In boxing I’m hearing all you need is a good chin and a right hand, but we’ve been working on finesse, technique and counter-punching, so I hope Joseph Parker falls into my booby traps because I’m going to set him up for some power shots as well.”
Parker conducted his workout prior to Joshua and, while clad all in black, was quick to remind the assembled crowd of New Zealand’s dominance over Wales in rugby union – with the Kiwis winning all 10 of their encounters in the Principality Stadium.
He said: “The All Blacks always do great here in Wales, so I’m looking forward to keeping that record clean.”
Parker, who has won all 24 of his fights – with 18 KOs –repeated a recent claim that he and his camp have been able to irritate Joshua in the build-up, adding: “I think some of the things our team have said has got under his skin, he looks a little angry and tense.
“I’m young, hungry, fit and strong. I’ve got my speed back and I’ll show you on Saturday.”
Hearn, meanwhile, has challenged David Price to show he can be a bigstage contender when he fights on the undercard in Cardiff.
Price will take on Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin, and Hearn said: “What a heavyweight fight we have between David Price and Povetkin. A chance for Price to come out of the shadows.”
And Price added: “I am going in there to give everything I have got. I am desperate to win. Losing is not an option, and I need to embrace the occasion.”
Welsh lightweight Joe Cordina will fight Belgian Hakim Ben Ali on the Joshua v Parker undercard after Andy Townend withdrew.
Cordina will still box for the vacant WBA international title at Principality Stadium. It will be his second fight for the Cardiff fighter at his hometown venue.