Joseph Parker’s promoter David Higgins is known for ruffling up a few feathers every now and then.
The primary face of Duco Events has pulled a pair stunts these past couples of months in press conferences.
He agitated Peter Fury about British referees and judges to the point where the famous trainer stood up and completely lashed out at Higgins in front of a packed room of British boxing media. But the risk was worth it and Higgins got his wishes through for Parker’s fight against Fury with getting official’s replaced.
The promoters most recent press conference gained similar bizarre notoriety when Higgins elected to show the media in attendance a video of Anthony Joshua being rocked or dropped multiple times.
Once again, Higgins looked like he was pushing the right buttons to get his wishes through. He wasn’t happy about promoter Eddie Hearn’s initial offers and apparently annoyed Team Joshua to the point where they were willing to meet with Team Parker’s demands of a 65-35 split.
But according to a recent report, fight talks have stalled. Joshua still wants the lion’s share of the pot.
Higgins ain’t done jabbing the WBA, IBF & IBO World heavyweight champion of the world. In his latest interview with ESPN, Higgins went after Joshua’s social media activity, his status as heavyweight champion, fans and chin.
“I’m not sure who calls the shots in these negotiations, whether it’s Eddie Hearn or AJ. The demands of their camp are unreasonable and it’s very possible that it’s driven by Joshua,” said Higgins.
He then added:
“There are rumours that Joshua used to have PR companies do his media and lately he’s decided to become more involved. Certainly the recent statements suggest delusions of grandeur. Joshua has made several statements on social media to do with ‘superior race’ and being the King of Dubai when he’s from Watford. Then there was a bit of a ‘bromance’ with Robert Mugabe,” commented Higgins.
The Anthony Joshua brand is the most marketable face and name in boxing right now. He represents the sport as a whole in the mainstream and as long as he is the champion, he is the man to beat in the sport.
But Higgins believes it’s all just a bubble that will be popped soon.
https://twitter.com/anthonyfjoshua/status/936333532171067393
“His media machine tells us he’s the next Lennox Lewis but he’s being flattened all the time and hasn’t even fought anywhere near the same standard of opposition. It’s a bubble that’s going to be burst,” predicted the New Zealander.
Higgins believes that most of Joshua’s supporters have been ‘brainwashed’ and have disrespected Parker’s achievements in boxing.
“A lot of British fans have been brainwashed into thinking Joshua is the bullet-proof unbeatable guy but he’s actually getting flattened all the time. It’s happened in numerous training camp and Wladimir Klitschko also flattened him,” Higgins reminded.
The promoter praises the WBO World heavyweight champion’s toughness and mentions that Parker has never been dropped.
.@anthonyfjoshua doesn't a 65-35% between two unbeaten champions sound fair? Nearly double our share. Don't worry a rematch clause is there in case you're worried about your chin #NoExcusesNow#NeverBeenDropped .@EddieHearn .@D_Higgins_Duco
— Joseph Parker (@joeboxerparker) November 27, 2017
“Compare that to Parker’s chin. We offered anyone a £20,000 reward if they could show us a video of Parker being flattened any time, any place. Of course there were no winners because it’s never happened.
“I’m getting hate mail from Joshua’s ‘brainwashed’ fans asking me how I can demand that slice of the pie for Parker. That disrespects that Joseph has been in this game for 20-something years.”
Higgins continued on the note that Joshua is ‘avoiding’ the unification bout.
“He says he wants to be the king but now he’s avoiding both unification options. If Joshua doesn’t unify now, then he needs to be held to account. When the fans start complaining, let it be on record that we did everything we could to unify.”
READ MORE:
Deontay Wilder Willing To Wait For Joshua-Parker – “I’m Not Chasing Joshua”
Eddie Hearn: Joshua-Parker Announcement In Two Weeks
Joshua: Parker Talking Rubbish
WATCH: Team Parker’s Bizarre Press Conference And ‘Rare’ Joshua Footage