Anthony Joshua wants to take on heavyweight rival Joseph Parker 'sooner rather than later'

Anthony Joshua says he wants to fight heavyweight rival Joseph Parker "sooner rather than later".

Parker, who moved to 18-0-KO16 by beating Jason Bergman two weeks ago, is one of many who have called out the British and Commonwealth champion in recent weeks.

Joshua's next opponent – who will not be Dereck Chisora- is expected to be confirmed by the end of the week but the 26-year-old made it clear that he is more than happy to take on Parker.

With Joshua (15-0-KO15) telling British rival David Haye to focus elsewhere for now, he believes a showdown against Parker will prove who will go on to "dominate" the heavyweight division.

"If he wants it, he can come and fight me. No problem," Joshua told iFL TV. "I've known Parker since probably 2009. When I was coming up through the amateurs he was an amateur and remember we are at the same level as pros.

"I used to study him as an amateur, just studying who I'd be fighting but he went pro early.

"Styles make fights. He's knocking guys out over in New Zealand, I am knocking out guys in the UK and when we come together someone is going to get knocked out.

"That's just two heavy handed, fast, young prospects coming through the division.

"Cream always rises to the top. It's a bit unbalanced at the minute; we've got champions, ex-champions, David Haye wants to fight me - he should be focusing on [Tyson] Fury and Charles Martin - and it's all a bit up and down.

"I think sooner rather than later it will all balance out and that's why me and Parker will be a good fight at some stage... sooner rather than later. 

"Then we can see who is going to dominate the heavyweight division."

     

Author: 
SkySports