Joshua vs Parker: Joseph Parker lands in UK ahead of Anthony Joshua unification fight
Written by News on 18/03/2018
Joseph Parker has arrived in London ahead of his heavyweight unification clash with Anthony Joshua and has vowed to put on the best performance of his career.
WBO title holder Parker will take on the WBA ‘super’ and IBF champion Joshua on March 31 in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports Box Office, with the pair putting their unbeaten records on the line.
Parker arrived at Gatwick airport from Las Vegas on Saturday morning at Gatwick airport and the New Zealander believes he is ready to inflict Joshua’s first defeat of his professional career.
Parker said: “It’s great to be here. We love it here. It’s always felt real but now the countdown begins.
“We’ve arrived here in good condition; mentally and physically we’re strong and we’re looking forward to putting on a great display.
“I’m young, fast, strong, my movement is good, I have a great team behind me, and I have my two nations behind me.
“Last year wasn’t the best year for us and [there are] many reasons why it wasn’t my best performances in the ring but I can tell you this: we’re going to put on the best performance of our lives come March 31.”
Reports suggested former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury could be involved with Parker’s training camp but the 26-year-old denied such claims and, with WBC king Deontay Wilder watching from ringside as part of the Sky Sports team, insisted he is concentrating only on Joshua.
“No, we haven’t planned anything yet,” Parker said. “All our eyes are focussed on Anthony Joshua; all these other heavyweights can talk to us after this fight.”
Parker’s trainer Kevin Barry was also present at the airport and he has confidence in his fighter.
Barry said: “We’ll hit the ground running on Monday. The first week back here will be a good, solid week for us as we start our tapering off phase.
“Next week we’ll just be staying mentally and physically very sharp. We’ve had a great camp and Joe’s in a very good mind space at the moment.
“I’m very happy with what he’s been showing me and we come here with a lot of confidence.”
(c) Sky News 2018: Joshua vs Parker: Joseph Parker lands in UK ahead of Anthony Joshua unification fight
