Anthony Joshua reveals why he under-performed against Joseph Parker

[Anonymous]

Anthony Joshua has admitted he didn't perform at his best against Joseph Parker because he had one eye on Deontay Wilder.

The heavyweight world champion added another title to his collection with victory over the New Zealander in April.

But he was taken the 12-round distance for the first time following a cautious display in Cardiff.

And Joshua admitted: “When I sit back and think about it there was a lot of talking [about Wilder]. He's done well to build a profile on the back of my hard work.

“When we’re all in the same division we have to fit each other and we will get it on when the deal is right.

“After I fought Carlos Takam, Wilder called me out and said I'd been ducking him and dodging him but I hadn't heard a word from him before that.

“So I entered my next fight thinking I was going to be fighting Wilder next because I'd been negotiating with Wilder's team since after I fought Takam.

“Then I had a fight with another champion so I thought if I won I'd fight Wilder so i fought carefully [against Parker].

“My mind has always been on what was next – I've got to win this to fight Wilder – but now I'm going to fight Wilder regardless so I'm not going to be cautious, I’m going to take out Povetkin like any other opponent.”

[Author]

Posts