BoxRec

i know what it is, but i dont think its clear that aj has gotten ahead of himself and isnt focused on parker

ive mentioned it over and over, aj could have already studied joe for hours, worked for months on a gameplan, and think about how hes going to execute it each day

speaking about wilder when asked in no way means hes not doing that or has lost focus on parker. pretty much every major fighter discusses things other then only there fight coming up

it could take like a minute for an interviewer to ask aj to compare wilder and parker, and then for aj to answer

seriously, you do know life isnt lived completely in soundbites and tid bits.

aj shows hes studied up on parker, and that was hardly a 'rant' either.

I've made my point

and let me guess, hearn also placed ortiz in the fight vs wilder as a roadblock to wilder-aj, right

funny how vague and roundabout your explanations on that one got

jamamb wrote: ↑22 Mar 2018, 22:56 and let me guess, hearn also placed ortiz in the fight vs wilder as a roadblock to wilder-aj, right

funny how vague and roundabout your explanations on that one got

'Vague and roundabout explanation' sums up yours above just perfectly

I notice you have been here all of 6 months - say no more

nah i actually prefer to get deeper into things

you merely say 'looking past' and i ask, what constitutes looking past, and why is answering some questions about wilder at odds with being prepared for joe

you merely say hearn used ortiz as a roadblock to aj-wilder, and i ask how so.

Joseph Parker is the most popular ever opponent for Anthony Joshua with British bookmaker Ladbrokes.

British punters are throwing their money behind Parker causing an upset in their world heavyweight boxing unification showdown in Cardiff.

According to Ladbrokes, no other opponent throughout Joshua's unbeaten 20 fight professional career has ever been as popular as Parker.

Ladbrokes would stand to lose record amounts on the Joshua fight should Parker win.

"Joshua is the hot favourite but the popularity charts tell a completely different story, and we could end up paying out a fortune if Parker causes an upset," a Ladbrokes spokesman said.

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 [futures 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!”