By Jeff Aranow: Joseph Parker is now taking back his comment from Sunday about IBF/WBA heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua being the “King of steroids.” Parker has taken some heat from boxing fans for saying that Joshua might be taking steroids. Parker says didn’t say that Joshua is taking steroids. He just isn’t sure if he is or not.
The 26-year-old Parker is trying to get under Joshua’s skin to rattle him enough to throw him off his game before the 2 heavyweights meet up in 2 months from now on March 31 on Sky Box Office at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Thus far, Parker’s campaign to unsettle Joshua mentally has worked to some extent, because he’s upset with him and wants to take it out on him inside the ring on March 31. Joshua says he won’t shake Parker’s hand after he beats him.
“Bit too far with that one. Shouldn’t have said it. Will fix that up at some stage,” said Parker on his Facebook.
Parker has had time to think about his comments on Joshua, and he decided to back away from his steroid comments. The interview Parker made got a lot of attention in the media, but unfortunately it was negative attention. It’s obviously not the best way for the WBO heavyweight champion Parker to get the boxing fans excited about his unification fight with Joshua.
Parker will still likely continue to give Joshua the business by ripping him in the media about his size, chin and stamina problems. But it appears he’s not going to continue with his steroid jabs aimed towards him. Parker’s other negative comments towards Joshua appear to be enough to get him riled. Joshua is already upset and seeing red.
In recent weeks, Parker has been taking aim at Joshua, saying he has a “glass jaw” and “robotic” with the way he fights.
Joshua vs. Parker is expected to be fighting in front of a large crowd of 78,000 to 80,000 fans on March 31 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. There’s huge interest in the Joshua-Parker fight from around the world. That excitement about this fight should continue to grow as the fight draws nearer. There’s still 2 ½ months to go before March 31. You imagine the amount of talk the Joshua vs. Parker fight will be generating by the last week of March. This fight could bring in a tremendous amount of pay-per-view buys on Sky Box Office in the UK.
Parker can make a massive fortune if he beats Joshua. The rematch will see Parker get a purse split of 55 percent. He would be getting the lion’s share, and this is on top of the $12 million that Parker is making for his March 31st fight against Joshua.