Joshua vs Parker: David Haye rates fighters in eight key areas and gives his big-fight verdict
Former heavyweight champions takes SunSport through areas where he thinks the fight will be won and lost
FORMER heavyweight world champ David Haye studied the tale of the tape.
He then told SunSport the eight key areas where tonight’s Joshua-Parker showdown is likely to be won and lost...
JOSHUA VS PARKER LIVE AJ loses a stone ahead of unification blockbuster with Kiwi
JAB
JOSHUA
Maybe Joshua’s jab is harder but it is definitely not as fast as Parker, who is a bit more varied. Parker throws his jab from different angles whereas AJ’s comes from a similar angle most times.
3.5
PARKER
One of Parker’s strengths is a very, very good double jab. A lot of heavyweights don’t double up on this punch but Parker comes inside and jabs effectively to set up other punches.
5
POWER
JOSHUA
Top marks must go to Joshua in this category. He’s up there with the very best as he makes the absolute most of his incredible physique, transferring his work in the gym to the ring.
5
PARKER
That power would be turned down a bit — Parker’s KO ratio is ‘just’ 75 per cent in 24 wins and he had to go the distance when stepping up in class. AJ has won all his 20 fights inside 12 rounds.
3.5
MOST READ IN BOXING
STAMINA
JOSHUA
Joshua has not gone the full 12 rounds yet. But he nailed Klitschko in the 11th — and finishing him off late could be taken as a sign that the stamina is there.
4
PARKER
Parker seemed a bit tired in the later rounds when he fought Hughie Fury in September and didn’t look able to put his foot on the gas when needed. But he still won a majority decision.
4
EXPERIENCE
JOSHUA
Joshua has the edge here even though he has had four bouts less than Parker. I’m basing that solely on the fact he fought and beat one of the last era’s dominant heavyweights in Klitschko.
4.5
PARKER
It’s fair to say that Parker’s opponents have not been the same quality as Joshua’s. He is taking a pretty big step up in class and I can’t wait to see if he can pull off what some will see as a shock.
3
CHIN
JOSHUA
Klitschko and Dillian Whyte both tested Joshua. White put down AJ for the first time in his pro career but couldn’t nail him, while Wlad seriously hurt Joshua but he somehow survived.
3
PARKER
Kiwi Parker has never been close to being down or even seriously hurt. His chin seems rock solid — but we will have to wait for Josh to land a big one to see if he can withstand true power.
4
FOOTWORK
JOSHUA
Joshua’s footwork is pretty decent for such a big man. He weighed in at 17st 4lb, which is nearly a stone lighter than for his last fight — and that will boost his mobility against Parker.
3.5
PARKER
The New Zealander appears a little more fleet-footed but I expect his footwork to be slowed down a little when the cumiliative effect of taking big, heavy punches starts to tell.
3.5
MOVEMENT
JOSHUA
Joshua is an athlete who believes in the ethic of stronger, faster, fitter. That can effectively complement his ability but he is heavy and solid and not known for his movement.
3.5
PARKER
They are pretty similar but Parker has a slight edge because of his ability to get on his bike when necessary. He can move around the ring to frustrate opponents and kill the clock a little bit.
4
BEST PUNCH
JOSHUA
Joshua’s best is his straight right hand right down the pipe. And if it lands, at best the opponent is on the canvas struggling to get up. At worst it’s another KO to add to his impressive record.
5
PARKER
Parker’s right is decent. He throws the left hook to set up his right and it will test Joshua. Both fighters can knock the other out and it will come down who is in the best physical condition.
4.5
JOSHUA VS PARKER LIVE AJ loses a stone ahead of unification blockbuster with Kiwi
VERDICT
JOSHUA WINS! 32PTS - 31.5PTS
Joshua vs Parker: Tips and odds ahead of unification bout
ANTHONY JOSHUA has vowed to take his time and pick his shots, while Joseph Parker will be relying to land a big hit, writes Wally Downes Jr.
If AJ adopts his calculated approach, Parker will be on the back foot - but regardless of his tactics we back Joshua to win by stoppage.
And he could select his shots and KO the Kiwi in the later rounds.
But if Parker turns this bout into a scrap, which he needs to do, AJ could land his heavy right hand earlier on.
SUN BETS SIGN-UP OFFER:
- AJ to win by KO -
- AJ rounds 1-3 -
- AJ rounds 7-9 -
- talkSPORT is the only place you can listen to radio commentary of the huge heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.
- Adam Catterall, Dom McGuinness, John Rawling and Glenn McCrory will be ringside at the Principality Stadium to bring you live coverage from 8pm. Listen on DAB, through Sky Channel 0108 or on .