Joshua and Parker work out and exchange verbal barbs ahead of showdown
Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker staged separate 20-minute workouts at St David’s Hall in Cardiff last night ahead of their world heavyweight title unification showdown at the city’s Principality Stadium this weekend.
Fans queued outside the venue well ahead of the 6pm start with undercard fighters taking centre stage for the opening couple of hours before New Zealander Parker and then British star Joshua brought the session to a close.
Parker was clad all in black and was quick to remind the bumper crowd of New Zealand’s dominance over Wales in rugby union – with the Kiwis having won all 10 of their encounters in the Principality Stadium. The WBO heavyweight champion said: “The All Blacks always do great here in Wales so I’m looking forward to keeping that record clean.”
The 26-year-old repeated a recent claim that he has been able to irritate Joshua in the build-up, saying: “I think some of the things our team have said has got under his skin, he looks a little angry and tense. We’re excited but it’s a controlled excitement.”
Parker does not believe Joshua’s
0 Anthony Joshua, left, and Joseph Parker face off in Cardiff. victory over Wladimir Klitschko gives the Briton the edge. He added: “Klitschko’s a great fighter and a great champion who we respect, but Klitschko’s Klitschko. I’m Joseph Parker and a different story altogether. I’m young, hungry, fit and strong. I’ve got my speed back and I’ll show you on Saturday.”
Asked whether he had a message for his opponent, Parker added: “I’ll see you soon, let’s go to war!”
Joshua played down Parker’s suggestions of a brutal battle and even claimed his opponent may be surprised by what he brings to the bout.
The WBA and IBF champion said: “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.
“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, I understand it’s a boxing match.
“It’s not just about Saturday, it’s about the long-term. Every camp I do, I honestly aim to improve so let’s look out for it on Saturday night to see the perks that we’ve been working on in training camp.”
Despite being widely-regarded as top dog in boxing’s blue riband division, Joshua insists he retains an underdog spirit.
He said: “You still need to keep that challenger’s mindset. I’m still the challenger in my head. Sometimes I try and not be seen with the belts too much, I let other people do the enjoyment.”