Boxing: Parker: Decide spontaneously “how to end the fight”.

On Saturday (22.45 LIVE on DAZN) it’s finally time: The mega-fight is here! Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker face each other in the unification battle, it is the first duel between two current champions in the UK. Tuesday was the day of the big press conference – and Parker in particular showed self-confidence.

“I believe my time has come. I’m young, fast, strong. I’m dying to win. I’m not here to put on a show. I’m here to bring home the belt,” Parker stressed, adding to the question of how he wants to end the fight: “I haven’t decided yet how exactly. Let’s see how I feel on the day of the fight.”

Furthermore, “there will be no excuses. Whoever wins the fight is the best. I’ll beat him.” He said he wanted to do it on the 31st. I want to deliver my top performance by March. I feel ready, I’m confident. My moves are better than ever. I’m gonna bring this belt to New Zealand.”

Parker coach Kevin Barry already has a clear vision for the fight: “We’re talking about two very strong guys here. In such situations it’s about who can better implement the game plan in the ring. That one will win the fight. “I think Joseph Parker’s got more, he’s got faster hands, and on Saturday night we’ll find out whether I think he’s right or wrong.”

For a short time, only Parker’s manager David Higgins chose the more aggressive track in a generally very peaceful, respectful press conference. In reference to an earlier interview date, which was cancelled due to Joshua’s delay, Higgins teased right at the beginning: “I would like to thank Anthony Joshua for being on time today. We appreciate that.”

The fight against Klitschko was an incredible experience, I have the greatest respect for him. Every fight and every camp was an educational experience for me. I only used this training camp to work on my technique and my skills – not to get fit,” he gave an insight into his preparation.

Parker is “fast and can take it,” Joshua added, at least that’s what he heard. Asking about his weight, he replied evasively: “The weight depends on who you’re fighting. There are no weight categories in heavyweight, so I don’t know exactly what my weight will be. I’ve been boxing for ten years. In the beginning I had to rely strongly on my physical abilities, in the course of time I also acquired a certain mental strength. Now I can combine both.”

At the same time, however, he also warned: “I know how quickly things can change. One moment you’re at the top, the next you’re not.”

Joshua coach Robert McCracken reacted more clearly to the positive statements of his opponent – and made it clear: “To be quick, calm and all these things – that doesn’t prepare you to get in the ring with Joshua. He’ll meet you, and you don’t know why. Anthony’s in great shape and he’s looking forward to it. Parker is a good fighter, a good challenge. AJ is up to the challenge.”

The beautiful aspect of boxing is that “until the bell rings, nobody knows what kind of fight we see. Joshua always delivers. This is not always the case. AJ always puts his words into action.”