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Anthony Joshua confident of landing knockout blow — but has a contingency plan for Joseph Parker

Luke Brown
Boxing - Anthony Joshua & Joseph Parker Press Conference - London, Britain - March 27, 2018 Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker go head to head Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge (Action Images via Reuters)

Anthony Joshua has said he fully expects to knock on Joseph Parker in their unification fight this weekend – but has a contingency plan in place if he is taken the distance for the very first time.

The pair fight this Saturday at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with the WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight titles on the line.

And at the final press conference ahead of the eagerly anticipated fight, a relaxed looking Joshua said he was confident of extending his flawless professional record to 21-0 – whether that be by knockout or on points.

“He is quick and he can take a punch but that is what I have heard, so I am repeating what people are saying,” Joshua said.

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“You've got two sides of it. I am definitely prepared for a 12-round fight, which isn't a problem.

“Let's say I've got £20 in my pocket, looking at myself I believe Anthony Joshua knocks out Joseph Parker for sure.”

Parker meanwhile said he was ready for the biggest fight of his career, and added that he looked forward to boxing in front of a stadium crowd.

The reigning WBO champion has more experience than Joshua in the ring but has never performed in front of such a huge crowd before.

Parker is the underdog (Getty)
Parker is the underdog (Getty)

“We've had a great build-up to this mega fight. I'm looking forward to putting on the best display on March 31,” Parker said. “I feel ready, I feel confident, I feel sharp. I'm taking these belts back to New Zealand.

“We love challenges. We see him as a big challenge and that's why we want to fight him.

“I feel it's my time. I'm young, I'm fast and I'm strong and I'm determined to win. I'm here to be part of history and I'm not just doing it for myself, I'm doing it for my team, my family and my country.

“I'm going to beat him but I haven't decided how I want to beat him yet. I don't know if it's a knockout, points or decision. I'll see how I feel on fight night.”