Joseph Parker’s promoter says the New Zealander is not fazed by Anthony Joshua and he won’t be overawed when the pair clash in Cardiff on 31 March.
The heavyweight unification bout will see three world titles go on the line in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 70,000 at the Principality Stadium. But despite the huge British fanbase, promoter David Higgins says Parker will treat the fight just like any other.
“He [Parker] won’t be fazed at all,” Higgins told Sky Sports. “To him, it will be another boxing ring. Whether it’s in the North Pole or Timbuktu, the preparation will be the same, the mindset will be the same.
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“One thing we know about Joseph is that side of it won’t faze him. He’s got a job to do, he knows what it is, he’ll take it very seriously. There might be some people that might be overawed, but Joseph Parker is not one of them.”
Since Joshua beat Wladimir Klitschko in April last year he has become a major sports star across the UK and the world. Fame and fortune is not what Parker craves though - he just wants Joshua’s belts, Higgins said.
“I don’t think fame is what’s driving Joseph at all,” Higgins added. “He has a huge extended family to look after, but I think achievement and satisfaction are a big part of it.
“It’s not about fame or money, but they are by-products of doing your best and succeeding. But really, it’s a lofty goal, shoot for the stars and try to unify the division. No one has really done that since Lennox Lewis and so I think that will be very motivating.”
Both fighters will take unbeaten records into the ring and Joshua (20-0) hopes that Parker (24-0) is ready to come out fighting in the early rounds in Cardiff. “I hope he’s training well,” said Joshua. “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.”
Joshua vs. Parker tickets
Tickets for the Joshua vs. Parker fight are on sale via StubHub and See Tickets. Hospitality packages are available from the Principality Stadium official website and Sportsworld.
Joshua vs. Parker betting odds
The latest bookmakers prices, as of 6 February.
Paddy Power
- Anthony Joshua to win: 1/12
- Draw: 40/1
- Joseph Parker to win: 11/2
- Joshua by points or decision: 9/2
- Joshua by TKO or KO: 3/10
- Parker by points or decision: 20/1
- Parker by TKO or KO: 8/1
- Joshua to win in round one: 18/1
- Parker to win in round one: 90/1
William Hill
- Anthony Joshua to win: 1/8
- Draw: 28/1
- Joseph Parker to win: 5/1
- Joshua by decision or technical decision: 9/2
- Joshua by TKO or KO: 2/7
- Parker by decision or technical decision: 22/1
- Parker by TKO or KO: 15/2
- Joshua to win in round one: 14/1
- Parker to win in round one: 100/1
BetFair
- Anthony Joshua to win: 1/10
- Draw: 40/1
- Joseph Parker to win: 13/2
- Joshua by points or decision: 9/2
- Joshua by TKO or KO: 1/3
- Parker by points or decision: 25/1
- Parker by TKO or KO: 9/1
- Joshua to win in round one: 20/1
- Parker to win in round one: 90/1
