Next Saturday, March 31, 2018, British boxing sensation Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) plans to add another belt to his collection in a unification bout against WBO champion Joseph Parker (24-0, 18 KOs).
Joshua, who holds the WBA Super and IBF Heavyweight titles is aiming to become the first man to ever hold all four belts–WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO–at the same time.
He’s half way there and a win on Saturday will set him up for a chance to capture the one made famous by Ali and Tyson, the Green one, the WBC Heavyweight championship belt currently held by Deontay Wilder.
Of course he has his hands full with the undefeated New Zealander, who many perceive to be the fastest Heavyweight on the planet. With all the talk about the potential showdown with Wilder, some are questioning if Joshua is dialed in on his current opponent.
During a conference call on Wednesday, Joshua discussed this point. “I’m not the one overlooking Joseph Parker and I’m not the one hooting and hollering about what’s happening next,” said Joshua. “I’m really focused on Parker because as you know, if I don’t get past Parker, it slows down the train and derails everything we’re trying to achieve in terms of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
For Parker’s team, it’s all about coming into this fight light and conditioned. They know he’s a lot smaller physically than the Brit. To be victorious, Parker will have to outpoint Joshua through an efficient display of movement. During the call, Parker’s trainer, Kevin Barry spoke about their keys to victory.
“Speed is the key. We’ve always believed that Joe’s the fastest Heavyweight in the world,” said Barry. “I also believe that out of all the Heavyweight champions, I think Joe has the better skill. I think he does things better than Joshua does. I think he’s more complete than Joshua.”
Heavyweight boxing history is on the line this Saturday. One of these fighters will remain undefeated and find themselves one step closer to becoming the “baddest man on the planet” and the first to ever claim all four Heavyweight championships simultaneously.
Photo courtesy of Showtime
