Joshua’s focus is on this title bout, not next
IF there’s any chance of a mega-fight between American Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua of Britain for the undisputed heavyweight championship this year, Joshua must first defeat Joseph Parker on Saturday night in Wales. That is easier said than done.
Joshua, 20-0 with 20 knockouts, defends his IBF and WBA titles against New Zealand’s Parker (24-0, 18 KOs), who owns the WBO belt. A crowd of 80,000 is expected for just the 11th unification bout in heavyweight history. Showtime will televise live at 5 p.m.
There has been plenty of talk about a Joshua-Wilder matchup with Wilder, the WBC champion, doing most of the talking. But Joshua insists his focus is on Parker, who is looking for a signature win to make his name known.
“A lot of talk has been happening,” Joshua said. “People need to be realistic. Joseph Parker is a champion for a reason. He’s quick and he can take a punch. I have to make sure I stay focused on the task at hand. I know how quickly the table can turn. One minute you’re the man and the next minute you’re not. God willing if I become victorious, we can talk about future plans. For now my future stops on Saturday. I’m not looking beyond that.”
Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) became the first New Zealander to win a major heavyweight title when he claimed the WBO belt in December 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. The belt had been vacated by Tyson Fury, who battled depression and drug issues after beating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015. This will be Parker’s third title defense.
“Whatever he brings, we’re going to be better,” Parker said. “I’m strong. I’m fast. I’m confident. I feel it’s my time. I’m determined to win.”
Parker’s trainer is Kevin Barry, who gained international recognition at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles where he was knocked out by Evander Holyfield on a punch thrown just as the referee yelled for the fighters to break. Holyfield was disqualified and Barry earned a silver medal. Barry has been training fighters since 1990 and thinks his man can win Saturday.
“Joseph wanted this challenge for so long,” Barry said. “He wanted the challenge to prove he’s the best heavyweight in the world.”
While Joshua and Parker might be fighting for three titles, Wilder’s imprint is all over this bout. He was originally scheduled to do some ringside commentary for Sky Sports in Wales, but declined to appear after being told he won’t be allowed to enter the ring and challenge Joshua should the Brit win.
Using social media as his primary medium, Wilder has turned up the rhetoric for a fight with Joshua since stopping Luis Ortiz in the 10th round of their title fight March 3 at Barclays Center. Since then, Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs) has been slamming Joshua as well as his promoter Eddie Hearn of UKbased Matchroom Boxing. Should Joshua defeat Parker, Hearn seems more inclined to have Joshua face Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller of Brooklyn next, perhaps at Barclays Center. Miller (20-0-1, 18 KOs) must get past Johann Duhaupas (37-4, 24 KOs) of France when they meet April 28 at Barclays Center.
➤ The May 5 bout between Gennady “Triple-G” Golovkin and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is heading for a postponement after the Nevada Athletic Commission filed a formal complaint against Alvarez for twice testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. A hearing is scheduled for April 18 in Las Vegas where Alvarez could be suspended anywhere from six months to a year. Though the fight is technically still on, MGM Resorts is already issuing ticket refunds to those who request them. Golovkin has said he’ll fight an alternative opponent May 5 if Alvarez isn’t available.