Tag Archives: Anthony Joshua

KUBRAT PULEV PROMISING ‘FIRE & FURY’ IN IBF ELIMINATOR AGAINST HUGHIE FURY ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, IN SOFIA, BULGARIA

WORLD-CLASS HEAVYWEIGHTS VYING FOR THE RIGHT TO FACE ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. ALEXANDER POVETKIN WINNER FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

On Saturday, October 27, “Fire & Fury” will collide, as IBF #2-rated heavyweight contender Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev will face Britain’s IBF #5-rated Hughie Fury in a 12-round elimination bout at the Arena Armeec in Pulev’s hometown of Sofia, Bulgaria.

 

 

 

Pulev (25-1, 13 KOs) and Fury (21-1, 11 KOs) will be competing for the right to face the winner of the September 22 showdown between champion Anthony Joshua and challenger Alexander Povetkin.

 

 

 

The event, entitled “Fire & Fury” will be presented by Ivaylo Gotzev and John Wirt’s Epic Sports and Entertainment, together with Fury’s promoter, Hennessey Sports, and will be broadcast live in the UK on Channel 5.

 

 

 

One of the most popular athletes in all of Bulgaria, 37-year-old Pulev is on a five-fight winning streak, including a TKO 3 over former heavyweight champion Samuel Peter. Among his many distinctions, Pulev is a former two-time European and IBF International Heavyweight Champion. He stands 6’ 4 ½” and weighs in around 240 lbs. Pulev’s only career loss came in a challenge for the undisputed heavyweight championship against Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. Fury is the fourth opponent scheduled to face Pulev, as Britain’s Dillian Whyte and Americans Jarell Miller and Dominic Breazeale all declined the fight.

 

 

 

Pulev, who will be having his first bout since partnering with Epic Sports and Entertainment, says Fury better not be looking past him while preparing for this fight.

 

 

 

“The fact that Hughie Fury is coming to Bulgaria when many others ran away speaks volumes,” said Pulev. “I understand that he is very motivated because this is an eliminator fight for a chance at the world title. I suggest he stops thinking about the world title for a moment and come prepared for a real battle. I am already in beast mode and I’m hungry for my return in the ring!”

 

 

 

Fury hails from Manchester and is the current BBBofC British Heavyweight Champion and is trained by his father, Peter Fury. The 23-year-old stands 6’ 6” tall and also weighs in around 240 lbs. In September of 2017, Fury suffered his only career loss, a controversial majority decision to Joseph Parker for Parker’s WBO Heavyweight Championship.

 

 

 

“It’s taken a lot of time to make this fight happen and I want to thank all of those involved,” said Hughie Fury. “I want to fight for world titles and to do that I need to beat the guys at the top of the division. Kubrat Pulev is a serious fight for the mandatory position and I know I’ve got to be the real deal to beat him. I believe I’m going to do that in his back yard where others trembled at the thought of it.”

 

 

 

“We want to be involved in these big fight nights and to go up against the big names that lead the division,” added father and trainer Peter Fury. “To become a world heavyweight champion, you’ve got to overcome every challenge that’s put in front of you. And for Hughie that starts in Bulgaria in October.”

 

 

 

“In this day and age, when some promoters and their fighters opt for the safest bets, Hughie Fury has done the opposite,” said Ivaylo Gotzev of Fury, who has faced his own share of delays and disappointments on his way to this eliminator bout. “Fury has decided to step into the Lion’s Den, and fight Kubrat in his home town of Sofia. This matchup is intriguing, as two of the best in the division step up and face one another. We expect a great heavyweight battle – one that will decide one man’s destiny to fight for the most coveted title in the world – the Heavyweight Championship. To all of Team Fury – you are welcome in Bulgaria!”

 

 

 

Hennessy Sports CEO Mick Hennessy, promoter of Fury, said: “First and foremost I’d like to heap praise on my young fighter Hughie Fury. There’s no pantomime and no theatrics. He’s just a young man, full of respect for everyone he faces, and who believes in giving the fans proper fights and value for money. At just 23 years of age Hughie is a massive talent. He’s not perhaps got the plaudits he deserves, so this is his moment to make the boxing world really sit up and take notice of what he’s capable of.”

 

 

 

“I’d also like to thank my counterparts at Epic Sports & Entertainment for making this fight happen. It’s taken a lot to get to this point, but we were determined to give the fans a fight that they deserve. Both teams are excited about this one.”

 

 

 

The stacked International undercard, along with ticket details, will be revealed shortly.

DEONTAY WILDER DEMANDS 50/50 SPLIT FOR HEAVYWEIGHT UNIFICATION WITH ANTHONY JOSHUA IN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ON SHOWTIME SPORTS®DIGITAL TALK SHOW BELOW THE BELT

 

 

Wilder Tells Host Brendan Schaub That He Will No Longer Accept A Flat Fee For Showdown To Determine Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion

 

CLIP FOR ONLINE & TV NEWS USE: https://cbs.box.com/v/DeontayWilderINTVBelowTheBelt

 

 

WHAT: WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder sat down for an exclusive video interview with Brendan Schaub for the SHOWTIME Sports digital talk show BELOW THE BELT where the American champion opens up about the contentious negotiation process for a unification fight with IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua.

 

 

 

“It’s 50-50 straight across,” Wilder tells Schaub during the interview that taped Thursday in Los Angeles. “I am not accepting no flat fee… I am done with that.”

 

 

 

The full interview is now available via the Below the Belt YouTube Channel and the Below the Belt Facebook Page.

 

 

 

BELOW THE BELT is a first-of-its-kind digital sports talk show exploring the latest news in combat sports and pop culture, with Schaub delivering candid thoughts in his unique and unfiltered style. The multi-platform program, which also includes a weekly podcast, features interviews with the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment, road trips, fight camp visits, sketches, animation and pop-culture spoofs.

 

 

 

The next installment of BELOW THE BELT launches Wednesday, July 4 on SHO Sports digital platforms.

FNU Combat Sports Show: Lee vs. Barboza Recap, Wilder Camp Offers $50 Million to Joshua for Boxing Superfight, etc.

This week Tom, Tony and Rich recap last week’s UFC Fight Night, all the boxing action from last Saturday, and all the biggest combat sports stories of the week, including the funeral of Wrestling Legend Bruno Sanmartino. We also preview upcoming events, with Tom and Rich making a push-up bet on Fedor vs. Mir in this Saturday’s Bellator Main Event.

Listen to the whole broadcast below:

 

FNU Combat Sports Show: Behind the Scenes of the New Creed Movie, Event Recaps and Previews

Tony takes Tom and Rich backstage on the set of the newest Rocky movie, Creed 2, the sequel to the breakout performance from Michael B. Jordan as Appollo Creed’s son. We also discuss Anthony Joshua’s cruise to victory over Joseph Parker and the ESPN boxing card in Quincy, Massachusetts. Then we preview the return of some big MMA events this weekend with UFC 223 and a Bellator MMA and kickboxing event.

ANTHONY JOSHUA OUTPOINTS JOSEPH PARKER IN HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® BEFORE CAPACITY CROWD IN CARDIFF, WALES

 

Joshua Goes The Distance For First Time In His Career And Now Owns IBF, WBA & WBO Heavyweight World Championships

                                                       

Encore Presentation In Primetime Tonight At 10:35 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME

 

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Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 31, 2018) – Undefeated and Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua went the distance for the first time in his career, outpointing previously undefeated champion Joseph Parker in a heavyweight unification bout Saturday on SHOWTIME in Cardiff, Wales.

 

IBF and WBA Heavyweight World Champion Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) added Parker’s WBO title to his mantle with a 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 unanimous decision before a boxing indoor attendance record of more than 78,000 fans at Principality Stadium. 

 

While Joshua was the aggressor throughout, Parker established his jab in the early rounds in an attempt to negate Joshua’s six-inch reach advantage.  And while Parker had his moments, Joshua was more active and landed the more meaningful punches and appeared to stagger the New Zealander on a handful of occasions. 

 

In the championship rounds, it seemed the 28-year-old Joshua was going for the KO against Parker, who displayed a solid chin in becoming the only fighter to push Joshua the distance. 

 

“I am not going to judge my performance,” Joshua said.  “That’s for my coach to do.  My strategy was to get behind the jab and we did that.  The good jab will take you around the world. 

 

“Through rounds 10, 11, 12, I was focused.  I went the 12 rounds and I fought him hard, but it was light work.  This is boxing.  This is what we do.  Joseph Parker is a world champion.  I knew he was going to be determined.  Sometimes this is how it goes.  It becomes a tactical boxing fight.  This was going to be about finesse, and I controlled behind the jab and used finesse. 

 

“We cannot forget – I am now the unified heavyweight champion of the world.”

 

After the fight, Joshua was asked by Sky Sports reporter Andy Scott if he’d like to face fellow-undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder for the chance to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. 

 

“One hundred percent, 100 percent,” Joshua answered.  “You’re asking me, do I want to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world?  The WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO.  Twenty one fights, six world championship fights.  I am not into the hype.  I am about the business.  So, let’s talk business.  Eddie Hearn can talk with Al Haymon and (Shelly Finkel). 

 

“Just like Dillion (Whyte) said, ‘WILDER, LET’S GO, BABY.’  Let’s go.  On this side of the pond, we are serious.  Great Britain, the United Kingdom, we are representing.  We have all the fighters, champions from heavyweight all the way down to the lower weight classes.  We are about the business.” 

 

Joshua didn’t seem disappointed he was unable to score a KO yet still admitted he wasn’t satisfied with the first distance fight of his career.

 

“Definitely, we are not satisfied.  One step at a time,” Joshua said.  “We are not our best yet but we are at the pinnacle of boxing.  I always go in the deep end, always challenge myself.  I am ready for more challenges.  We will see what’s next.”

 

When pressed who he’d like to fight next, Joshua said, “Wilder.  Wilder or Fury,” referencing fellow Brit and former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who has been inactive since 2015 due to a variety of issues. 

 

“Get him (Wilder) in the ring, and I’ll knock him spark out,” Joshua promised.   

 

The 26-year-old Parker (24-1, 18 KOs) didn’t dispute the decision in what was the first unification fight between undefeated heavyweight champions since 1987. 

 

“Today, I got beat by the better man.  The bigger man,” Parker said.  “My plan is to go home, work hard and come back again.

 

“I would work harder.  Make more punches.  I would love another go.  We could have worked inside more but whatever happened, happened. You can’t go back and change that. 

 

“I am young, strong, fit and ready to come back and challenge again.  We’ll be back again stronger.”

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay tonight at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.  Following tonight’s encore presentation, Joshua vs. Parker will air Sunday morning at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

# # #

ANTHONY JOSHUA SCALES 242 ¼ POUNDS, JOSEPH PARKER 236 ½ FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

“I’m willing to take risks and take him out early.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

 

 

 

“I’m here for a war.  You’re going to have to give everything to beat me.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

 

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales

 

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 30, 2018) – IBF and WBA Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua weighed-in at 242 ¼ pounds and WBO Champion Joseph Parker measured 236 ½ pounds Friday before a capacity crowd at Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff for their Heavyweight World Championship tomorrow live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside at Principality Stadium where nearly 80,000 fans will match boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record, initially set in 2017 in Joshua’s title defense against Carlos Takam at the same venue.

 

 

 

Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) scaled his lightest in 10 fights, and more than 10 pounds lighter than his October 2017 defense of the IBF and WBA titles, while Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) measured 10 pounds lighter than all three of his world championship bouts.

 

 

 

“Carrying around a bit of extra weight makes things difficult,” Joshua said.  “I’ve been running well, training well.  There’s been tough times in camp, but losing that little bit of extra weight has made things that little bit easier.

 

 

 

“It’s a perfect weight for the fighter I’m about to face tomorrow because he’s nimble and he’s quick.  I’ve got boxing skill and I can control him, but I think the lighter I am the more I’ll be able to match him for speed.”

 

 

 

Parker, who will make his third defense as champion, took note of Joshua’s lighter weight.

 

 

 

“(Joshua’s weight) makes me think that he’s taking the fight very seriously,” Parker said.  “There’s not much of a weight difference, which is good.  I think we’re both going to be fast tomorrow night.  We’re both going to move well and throw some big bombs.

 

 

 

“I saw confidence in Joshua.  He’s a good champion.  I saw confidence so I’m expecting a really good fight.”

 

 

 

American Steve Weisfeld, New Zealand’s Ian Scott and Britain’s Steve Gray have been assigned as the three judges scoring from ringside.  The third man in the ring will be Italy’s Giuseppe Quartarone.

 

 

 

“I’m not worried about a decision,” Parker said.  “We’ve done everything we can in training to prepare.  The biggest thing for me is the challenge of fighting someone like Joshua.  If it goes into a dark place, how long will I stay there for?  How fast can I come back?

 

 

 

“I’m here for a good fight.  I’m here for a war.  You’re going to have to give everything to beat me.”

 

 

 

The massive global event will be watched in more than 215 territories throughout the world, a distribution figure that is on par with some of the biggest boxing events in history.

 

 

 

“You have to remember that even though I’m heavyweight champion of the world, there’s another belt I’m fighting for.  In my mind, I’m a challenger,” Joshua said.  “Scrap my belts.  I’m challenging for the WBO heavyweight championship of the world.  That’s what I’m going for and that’s what my mindset is.  I’m hungry.  I’m determined.  I’m willing to go the distance or I’m willing to take risks and take him out early.  I just want to secure that win one way or another.”

 

 

 

This will be just the 11th unification in heavyweight history.  Previous winners of unifications include Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.  The last fighter to win a unification between undefeated champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.

 

 

 

“These wins are creating history,” Joshua said.  “This type of fight where two champions who are undefeated come together is history.  The last person to win was Mike Tyson thirty years ago.  If I do win, I haven’t spoken about it much, but providing I do get this win we’re going to set history in late 2018.  I’ll become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”

FNU Combat Sports Show: Anthony Joshua’s Potential UFC Contract, Parker vs. Joshua Boxing Preview and Other Combat Sports News

This week on the FNU Combat Sports Show, Tom, Tony and Rich discuss a wide range of topics. We even touch on a little WWE news at the end of the show. We begin with discussions about Anthony Joshua possibly signing to fight under the UFC Boxing banner and move on later in the show to preview his fight against Joseph Parker this weekend. We also cover the temporary suspension of Canelo Alvarez and the involvement of Mark Burnett in the new Professional Fighters League. Listen to the full show in the player below:

 

 

VIDEO: SHOWTIME SPORTS® PREVIEWS SATURDAY’S ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. JOSEPH PARKER HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION

 

“We have two undefeated heavyweight champions.  How big of a night is this?  It’s massive.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

 

“They underestimate me as a fighter.  I just feel it’s my time.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

 

Watch, Share & Embed Via SHO Sports YouTube: https://youtu.be/ioZTYk-ezNE

 

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Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

WHAT: Hear from undefeated heavyweight world champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker in this SHOWTIME Sports video preview in advance of Saturday’s Heavyweight World Championship Unification live on SHOWTIME. VIDEO:https://youtu.be/ioZTYk-ezNE

 

IBF and WBA Champion Joshua and WBO Champion Parker will square off in the 11th unification in heavyweight history on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.  The blockbuster in Cardiff, Wales is expected to tie the all-time indoor attendance record in boxing with nearly 80,000 fans packing Principality Stadium on Saturday

 

“I’m not worried about no one,” said Joshua, who owns a perfect 20-0 record with 20 knockouts.  “I’m facing all challengers.  Undefeated champions, I’m beating champions, I’m beating legends.”

 

Countered Parker: “I’ve wanted this fight for a long time.  They underestimate me as a fighter.  I just feel it’s my time.”

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS ANTHONY JOSHUA & JOSEPH PARKER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS IN ADVANCE OF SATURDAY’S UNIFICATON SHOWDOWN ON SHOWTIME®

Joshua & Parker Make First Appearance In Cardiff, Wales, Where Nearly 80,000 Fans Will Witness Heavyweight History At Principality Stadium

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® | 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

 

CARDIFF, WALES (March 28, 2018) – Undefeated Heavyweight World Champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker made their first appearance in Cardiff on Wednesday, working out before a packed house of enthusiastic fans at St. David’s Hall just three days before their Heavyweight World Championship Unification this Saturday live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

The near-capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall of Wales is a prelude to the record-tying audience expected at Principality Stadiumon Saturday where nearly 80,000 fans will match boxing’s all-time indoor attendance record, initially set in 2017 in Joshua’s title defense against Carlos Takam at the same venue.

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from ringside in Cardiff as IBF and WBA Champion Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) and WBO Champion Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) meet in just the second unification between undefeated heavyweight champions in history.

 

 

The 6-foot-6 Joshua will make his fifth defense as champion against the 6-foot-4 Parker, who defends his title for the third time.  Joshua owns a 100 percent knockout ratio while Parker has never been knocked down as an amateur or professional.

 

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

 

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

 

“This is bigger than last time. Boxing is bigger than ever right now. This is the golden era and I’m happy to be a part of it.

 

 

“It’s good news that he wants a war. In boxing, all you need is a good chin and a right hand but I’ve been working on finesse, technique, counter punching. I hope Joseph Parker falls into my booby traps because I’m going to set him up with some power shots as well. Yeah, I’ll be up for a war. I’ll hopefully be up for some blood, sweat, and cheers from my corner.

 

 

“Physically I believe in my ability.  I’m focused and I understand it’s a boxing match and the people are expecting the pinnacle of boxing.  Hopefully they’ll be able to see me through to victory.

 

 

“You need to still keep that challenger’s mind-set. I’m still the challenger in my head, and sometimes I don’t want to be seen with the belts around me too much. Now that I’m the hunted, it’s no time to just put my feet up and relax. I’m out there defending my throne on Saturday night.

 

 

“I can’t worry about it [future bouts]. Saturday night is where it’s at. Saturday night is big enough. Saturday night is massive.”

 

 

JOSEPH PARKER:

 

“Since we’ve been here we’ve been welcomed with open arms. I expect a good crowd, a fair crowd. There are a lot of people supporting Joshua here, but we have a lot of support back home. It’s great to see all my family and friends here, and we’ve got some support here, as well.

 

 

“All Black (New Zealand rugby) style has always done well here in Wales, so I’m looking to keep that record clean.”

 

 

“I think some of the things our team has said has gotten under his skin. I’m not unhappy. He looks a little unhappy and a little tense. I think everyone’s different in how they approach a fight. We’re quite relaxed and calm. I’m excited about this fight, but it’s a controlled excitement.

 

 

“Klitschko’s a great fighter and champion who we respect, but Klitschko is Klitschko. I’m a different story altogether. I’m young and hungry, I’m fit and strong and I got my speed back. I will show that on Saturday.

 

 

“I’ve got the speed, power, skills, technique, all of the above.

 

 

“See you soon, [Anthony Joshua]. Let’s go to war!”

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. JOSEPH PARKER FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

“I win by knockout, 100 percent.” – IBF & WBA Champion Anthony Joshua

 

“I’m not here for a payday.  I’m here to take those belts back with me.” – WBO Champion Joseph Parker

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® At 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT From Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales

 

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Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LONDON (March 27, 2018) – Undefeated heavyweight world champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker kicked off fight week with a tense faceoff at the sprawling Sky Headquarters outside London as they approach Saturday’s Heavyweight World Championship Unification live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. 

 

The British sensation Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) owns the IBF and WBA titles, while New Zealand’s Parker (24-0, 18 KOs) is the reigning WBO Champion.  The two will meet on Saturday in just the 11th unification in heavyweight history in front of what is expected to be nearly 80,000 boxing fans at the national stadium of Wales.

 

The blockbuster matchup marks just the second heavyweight championship unification between undefeated world titleholders.  The last fighter to emerge victorious from a matchup of unbeaten heavyweight champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Tuesday’s press conference. 

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA:

“I feel like this is what we have to do.  If champions don’t face off, then we won’t bring excitement to boxing, and I feel like we heavyweights are the flagbearers for the sport.

 

“I’m peaking, but what I need to do is remain where I am.  If you want to see my peak then I need to face stern challenges.  The better opponent, the better I get. 

 

“We embrace the challenge of facing an undefeated champion.  He’s a champion, he’s done well for himself.  He’s quick and he can take a punch.

 

“I have to mentally say the fight will go 12 rounds in my head, but if I had to pick I’d say nine rounds.  I win by knockout, 100 percent.”

 

“For a long time, I’ve had to rely on my strength and my physicality. Over the 10 years I’ve been boxing, I’ve built a lot of mental strength as well.  And now I’m combining the two.  I feel confident and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

 

“I take it one thousand percent one fight at a time. A lot of talk has been happening about AJ vs. Deontay (Wilder).  People need to be realistic.  I’m looking at Joseph Parker, who is a lively challenger.  He’s a champion for a reason.

 

“Let’s say we look into a crystal ball and I’m victorious, then we can start talking about future plans.  But, for now, my future startson Saturday.  That’s where I’ve got to look to and not really beyond that moment.

 

“There’s definitely a fear of losing because it keeps me going.  I have to make sure I stay focused on the task at hand.  The fear of losing keeps me motivated because I know how quickly the tables can turn.  One minute you’re the man and the next you’re not.

 

“I’m definitely preparing for a 12-round fight.  One hundred and ten percent.  It isn’t a problem to go the distance.  But let’s say I’ve got 20 quid in my pocket and I’m looking at Joseph Parker vs. Anthony Joshua. I believe Anthony Joshua will knock Joseph Parker out, myself.”

 

JOSHEPH PARKER:

“I feel ready, confident and sharp.  I feel better than ever, and I’m taking these belts back to New Zealand.

 

“I see Joshua as a great champion.  The reason why we wanted this fight is because we respect what he’s achieved in the boxing world.  We respect his team and what they’ve been able to achieve on this side of the world.  And we love challenges.  We see him as a big challenge and that’s the reason we want to fight him.

 

“I feel it’s my time.  I’m young, I’m fast, I’m strong.  And I’m determined to win.  I’m not here for a payday.  I’m here to take those belts back with me.  I’m here to be part of history.  I’m not doing it just for myself.  I’m doing it for my team, my family and my country.

 

“He’s at his best. I’m at my best.  This is the perfect time for the fight.  There are going to be no excuses.  Whoever wins is the best on the day.

 

“I’m going to beat Joshua. I haven’t decided how I want to beat him yet. I don’t know if it’s a knockout or if it’s points or decision. We’ll see how I feel on fight night. But I’m going to be undefeated going home with the belts.  These are mine.

 

“I’m in the best shape ever.  Whoever wins is the better man.  There’s no excuses on my side.  I’m feeling great, I’m feeling strong and I’m going to leave it all in the ring.  I’m punching hard, I’m punching with way more speed so I’m looking to put on a display.

 

“This is the perfect time because he’s undefeated.  He’s got belts that I want.  We’re both at the top of our game now and it’s a good time to see who the best is. 

 

“I’m confident I’m going to win.  I’m taking the belts home.”

 

ROBERT McCRACKEN, Joshua’s Trainer:

“Parker is a different opponent than Takam or Klitschko.  He’s undefeated, so he doesn’t believe he can lose. But being fast and being calm and relaxed doesn’t prepare you for getting into a ring with Anthony Joshua.  Not just the size of him, he’s very imposing in the ring, but he hits you and you don’t know where you’re getting hit.  I think we’ve seen that in all of his contests to date. 

 

“Anthony’s in great shape. He’s looking forward to the fight and he just sees it as another fight on the ladder to trying to become the undisputed champion. That’s the reason why the fight is taking place.

 

“Parker’s the WBO champion. He’s a good fighter. He’s unbeaten and he’s a challenge that AJ is up for.

 

“He ticks all the boxes. He can box. He can fight. He’s a devastating puncher, himself. And he can take a devastating shot, so he’s improving all the time. He’s learning all the time. He’s already the unified champion. He’s already an Olympic gold medalist. It’s part of the journey that he sees himself becoming the undisputed champion.”

 

KEVIN BARRY: Parker’s Trainer

“These are two guys that are young, two guys that are at the top of their game.  Usually, when you have two very skillful, undefeated fighters in the ring together it will come down to who can execute the game plan the best on the night.  I’ve said all along that I believed out of all the heavyweight champions, that Joseph Parker has the best skill.  I believe he can do more. I believe he has the fastest hands. On Saturday night, we’ll find out whether I’m dreaming or whether I’ve been right all along.

 

“I think we’ve had our best training camp, and I know trainers say that all the time but over the last two years, we’ve had a really rough time with Joseph’s elbows.  I think it’s shown in his performances.  We’ve had a couple of surgeries just prior to Christmas last year. This camp, 11 weeks in Las Vegas, have been the most enjoyable time that Joe and I have spent together in the five years that we’ve had.

 

“We decided right from the get-go that we were not going to let the occasion beat us.  One of the huge strengths of Joseph Parker has always been the way he controls his emotions. I’ve said on several occasions, whether it’s 800, 8,000 or 80,000, it will be the same Joseph Parker smiling all the way to the ring.  Joseph has wanted this challenge for so long, an opportunity to prove that he is the best heavyweight in the world.  Obviously, we believe that he beats Joshua or otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.”