Joshua ready for 12-round fight against Parker, but vows to record his 21st career knock out win

Anthony Joshua is preparing for a 12-round battle with Joseph Parker in Cardiff on Saturday but the British fighter is confident he can finish the bout early.

This weekend’s heavyweight unification fight sees two unbeaten records go head-to-head at the Vitality Stadium, with Joshua 20-0 and Parker 24-0.

Joshua acknowledges stopping the New Zealander – who holds the WBO belt and is renowned for a strong chin – will not be easy, but he still expects to come out victorious.

“I am definitely preparing for a 12-round fight, that is not a problem,” he told a media conference.

“But if I have got £20 in my pocket, I believe Anthony Joshua will knock Joseph Parker out for sure.”

The winner of the hotly anticipated heavyweight bout will then have a chance to unify the division, but Joshua insists he is solely focused on Parker rather than what may happen in the future.

“One fight at a time, a lot of talk has happened about Joshua-Wilder, but you need to be realistic, I’m looking at Joseph Parker,” he added.

“He’s a champion for a reason, a lively challenger.

“If I become victorious then I can look at future plans, but I am looking at Saturday and not beyond that moment.”

Let me introduce my ‘Big Boxing Manifesto’ with @JDOfficial #RoadToUndisputed pic.twitter.com/tGa0cIOr52

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) March 27, 2018
When asked to analyse his next opponent Joshua was full of praise, and sees Parker as an important part of his boxing journey.

“He’s quick and can take a punch,” added the WBA, IBF and IBO champion. “That’s what I’ve heard.

“Every fight is a blessing, every fight has a reason in the long run. He’s a champion, he’s done well.

“He is someone who will add something to my life journey.”

Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken believes his fighter is in “great shape” and will deliver a 21st victory over an opponent who is not at the level of Wladimir Klitschko – who Joshua beat in April 2017.

Setting up for today’s final #JoshuaParker presser pic.twitter.com/D6inZvF92c

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) March 27, 2018
“I think Klitschko was his toughest test to date,” said McCracken. “But this is the next biggest.

“It is a hurdle that Anthony has to get over. But it is one he is prepared and ready for.

“He’ll deliver like he always does. AJ backs up [his talk] and delivers.”