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| Anthony Joshua |
Anthony Joshua is hoping that Joseph Parker falls into his traps on Saturday night, admitting he is keeping a
challenger’s mindset ahead of the showdown, Skysports reports.
The colossal clash between Joshua, the
WBA ‘Super’ and IBF champ, and WBO titlist Parker sees both heavyweights
put their belts and unbeaten records on the line in Cardiff.
Joshua was relaxed and focused as he
impressed a feverish crowd on Wednesday night, fine-tuning his boxing
skills for the final time at the public workout.
“This is another unbelievable reception,
it’s bigger than last time. Boxing is growing, it’s a golden era right
now and it’s great to be a part of it.
“I like the interaction part with fans,
there are people I want to meet, and a minute of your time means the
world to some people and means the world to me.”
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| Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker |
On the back of Parker previously saying
that he is ready for a war, Joshua then candidly replied, “Yeah, it’s
good news but it’s silly –it’s boxing.
Anthony Joshua is hoping that Joseph Parker falls
into his traps on Saturday night, admitting he is keeping a challenger’s
mindset ahead of the showdown, Skysports reports.
The colossal clash between Joshua, the WBA ‘Super’
and IBF champ, and WBO titlist Parker sees both heavyweights put their belts
and unbeaten records on the line in Cardiff.
Joshua was relaxed and focused as he impressed a
feverish crowd on Wednesday night, fine-tuning his boxing skills for the final
time at the public workout.
“This is another unbelievable reception, it’s bigger
than last time. Boxing is growing, it’s a golden era right now and it’s great
to be a part of it.
“I like the interaction part with fans, there are
people I want to meet, and a minute of your time means the world to some people
and means the world to me.”
On the back of Parker previously saying that he is
ready for a war, Joshua then candidly replied, “Yeah, it’s good news but
it’s silly –it’s boxing.
“I’m hearing that all you need is a good chin and a
right hand. We’ve been working on technique, finesse and counter punching.
“I hope Parker falls into my booby traps because I
will set them up with some power traps as well. There’ll be a bit of a war.
“You’ll see blood, sweat and hopefully cheers from
my corner.”
Joshua admitted that he is still insistent on
learning and improving with every fight, despite the fact he is now the hunted
man in the division.
“Physically, I’ve always tried to prepare myself
the best way, but now I believe more and believe in my ability – I’m focused.
“It’s a boxing match and people respect clinical
boxing and that should see me through to victory.
“We are working round by round, camp by camp and
every camp I aim to improve. We’ll see the perks I’ve been working on come
Saturday.
“You need to keep the challenger’s mindset, I try
not to be seen with the belt too much, I let other people have the enjoyment, I
have to keep that challenger’s mindset.
“I’m looking forward to this challenge. Just
because I’m the hunted, it’s no time to put my feet up and relax. I’m out there
defending my throne.”
Meanwhile, Parker says he is ready to “go to war”
with Joshua in Saturday’s unification bout in Cardiff, BBC Sport reports.
Parker, 26, speaking at Wednesday’s public
workout at St David’s Hall, said his team have got “under the skin” of WBA, IBF
and IBO title holder Joshua.
“He looks a little angry and tense,” said Parker,
as 400 fans watched on.
“I’m young, hungry, fit and strong. I’ve got my
speed back and I’ll show you on Saturday.”
British-born Nigerian Joshua, 28, stated he would
maintain a “challenger’s mindset” as he looks to defend his perfect 20
knockouts from 20 fights.
He looked leaner — as expected after weighing a
career-high 18st 2lbs last time out — and Parker, who is unbeaten in 24 fights,
looked light on his feet and at ease in what will be the fighters’ last public
outing until Friday’s weigh-in.
The New Zealand fighter was warmly received
initially but drew boos when he pointed to the historic success his country’s
rugby team have had in Wales, stating, “I’m looking forward to keeping that
record clean.”
And moments before Joshua appeared for his own
workout, Parker delivered a message, “I’ll see you Saturday, let’s go to war”.
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