Anthony Joshua will have a significant size advantage over Joseph Parker when the two meet on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images
Anthony Joshua will have a significant size advantage over Joseph Parker when the two meet on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images
When all the talk is finally over and the two heavyweights get in the ring, one thing is certain amid the many variables: Anthony Joshua will have a considerable size advantage over Joseph Parker in their world heavyweight boxing unification title bout on Sunday (NZ time).
For whatever reason, the Englishman wouldn't look at Parker during yesterday's press conference at Sky Sports UK's giant west London complex but he stared down at the Kiwi throughout the face-off immediately after — before twice breaking eye contact, a small victory for the New Zealander.
Parker insisted he could feel the anger radiating from Joshua, an emotion he feels will backfire on the big Englishman if he takes it into the fight.
"They told us to face off, then told us to split," Parker said.
"He wouldn't move and then I wouldn't move either. They said 'move', and I thought 'he's not moving, I'm not moving, I'm staying here'. I don't know if that's winning or not. He backed away. He seemed real angry, like seriously angry — I could feel it.
"Being angry before a fight — I don't know if that's the best way to approach a fight. That's tension that you shouldn't be wasting on being angry or upset. If he's angry, then let him continue to be angry — I hope he gets angrier."
Asked if that could make Joshua more dangerous at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Parker said: "I think it will make him dangerous but it won't be controlled. If it comes in on the attack, he won't be thinking as clearly if he's angry. I'm cold-blooded.
"Everything's thought about in my head properly. He didn't even look at me when I looked over at him [during the press conference].
"We've been pretty victorious outside the ring — now we have to be victorious in it."
Parker has a plan to deal with Joshua's size and reach disadvantage — he gives up 15cm in wing-span — and he was right when he said he likes fighting taller opponents.
"In the past, the bigger guys have suited my style better than shorter guys," he said.
The challenge, as he admits, is big, and he will need a lot of things to go his way should he emerge with the victory.
NZ heavyweight Joseph Parker (right) fronts up to Anthony Joshua during their media conference in London yesterday. Photo / Getty Images
"I see him as a great champion. The reason I wanted this fight is because I respect him.
We respect what he's achieved in the boxing world, we respect his team and what they've achieved on this side of the world. We love challenges."
His confidence comes from a sound body and the knowledge that he couldn't have worked any harder or done any more in training.
Parker's trainer Kevin Barry said: "This last camp, the last 11 weeks in Las Vegas, has been the most enjoyable time that Joe and I have had together in five years.
"I've said all along that of all the heavyweights in the world, I believe Joe has the best skills. I believe he can do more. I believe he has the best hands."
Joshua is clearly miffed at Team Parker's aggressive approach to promoting this fight in Cardiff, and in particular David Higgins' refusal to concede any advantage.
In the Times this week, Higgins was quoted as saying: "A lot of Joshua's opponents have bowed down and formed a master-slave relationship.
"They're offered a title shot by Eddie Hearn and I think they see it as, one, maybe the only title shot they will ever get and, two, the relatively small purse could be their biggest ever payday. They'll take it, be very polite, and not criticise Joshua.
"We're not here for the pay cheque. We're not in a position where we quietly have to thank them for the opportunity and take their first offer. Joseph is here to unify the division."
● Joshua, meanwhile, revealed yesterday he has been consulting former world champion Wladimir Klitschko in a boxing brains trust designed to unsettle his rival.
Eleven months ago, the WBA and IBF champion went toe to toe with the Ukrainian in an acid test of his credentials in London. Now they have joined forces.
"I'm finding ways to improve and new ways to get better," Joshua said.
