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Parker at his best punching power, training partner warns Joshua

Next Saturday, Anthony Joshua (AJ) and Joseph Parker are set to do battle at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales with everything on the line, reports givemesport.com.

Joseph Parker

Next Saturday, Anthony Joshua (AJ) and Joseph Parker are set to do battle at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales with everything on the line, reports givemesport.com.

AJ will defend his IBF, IBO and WBA title for a chance to acquire Joseph Parker’s WBO belt and it is the first-ever unification fight between two unbeaten heavyweights.

Both men have spectacular records; Joshua boasts a pristine 20 fights, 20 wins with 20 KOs while Parker has had 24 fights – all victories – with 18 KOs.

According to the bookmakers, Joshua is the slight favourite for the clash and the winner of this bout will likely face WBC champion, Deontay Wilder in an attempt to unify the entire division.

Parker has faced a Briton before, though, in the shape of Hughie Fury.

Parker scored a majority decision over Fury last September to retain his WBO title and his last three fights have ended via decision leading some fans to believe that as the calibre of opposition has risen, Parker’s power has lessened.

However, his longtime sparring partner, American Malik Scott, believes Parker has made significant strides during his camp in preparation for Joshua.

He believes the turning point was a minor operation Parker had following his Fury victory.

“When he was getting ready for Fury, there was times in sparring where we were having to stop,” Scott told Sky Sports.

“I don’t think that the elbow, the shoulder, none of that is an issue right now. The only thing that’s an issue, the most important thing, is there are two young lions, two great champions, and they want to rock. I cannot wait to see it.

“A totally different power now. I will say the last time it was like 70 per cent to me. Right now it’s at 120.

“The reason why I say that is, because I come from a perspective of Joseph Parker never had thudding power. He’s always had accurate power. The speed slowed down because of the elbow.

“Now that the elbow is fixed, the speed is back up, which means it gets to the target quicker. Which means you don’t see the shots coming, which causes more pain, and more knockouts.”

Many believe that Joshua has a more powerful punch than Parker, but AJ will have to be careful not to underestimate his foe and avoid taking too many flush shots.

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