ANY talks or potential deal over a fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are sailing right over the head of Joseph Parker.
Speculation that two of the biggest names in the heavyweight division will fight has been a frequent story online. The only change to the usual filler is when it may happen. And the latest theory, according to reports circling elsewhere on the web are that it will take place in Saudi Arabia next March.
This Saturday in the country’s capital, Riyadh, Joshua, and Wilder have separate pieces of business to take care of before anything else can materialise. The Brit faces former Tyson Fury opponent Otto Wallin while the American takes on divisional good guy Joseph Parker.
The New Zealander, trained by Andy Lee, has won three on the trot since losing heavily to Joe Joyce in a demanding heavyweight contest 15 months ago. Jack Massey, Faiga Opelu and Simon Kean were a drop down in opposition quality but nonetheless Parker picked up the wins and a couple of early stoppages along the way.
On Monday (December 18) Boxing News caught up with the 31-year-old and asked if he believed that it was disrespectful to him if there is any truth in the Joshua-Wilder speculation.
“No, I feel that in boxing, even if fights are made, there’s always talks behind the scenes about other fights and other matchups,” he replied.
“It is what it is. I know what I wanna do. I want to go in there on fight night and smash him. And the only way to get the win is to go in there and smash him and get my hand raised. So, I’m just focused on that. Everyone else can say what they wanna say and other fights can be planned but I’m just focused on what I have to do.”
The greatest concern to any Parker supporter ahead of Saturday will be the devastating power Wilder possesses. His 98 per cent knockout ratio is a frightening statistic and despite being unable to defeat Tyson Fury in three attempts he still managed to drop his opponent four times during their trilogy. Parker, though, says ‘The Bronze Bomber’ does have other attributes.
“He can box. Both hands are powerful not only his right hand,” the former WBO belt holder said.
“I just have to be in there focused on what I have to do and not worry about this. The right hand’s always gonna be there. I’m gonna be in this fight very confident and I’m gonna be picking my shots, good movement, good speed, combinations. Bring everything that I’ve been doing in training and put it on display on fight night.”