Joesph Parker will be hoping to emulate what his friend and campmate Tyson Fury managed against Deontay Wilder when the two come to blows on December 23.
Both Wilder and Parker are former world heavyweight champions, but ‘The Bronze Bomber’ represents a stiff test for Parker, who is a tough competitor but has tended to come unstuck at the top.
During his career he has lost against the likes of Joshua, Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce, and now has been given plenty of credit for volunteering to fight Wilder when no one else would.
Speaking to Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, he spoke of his game plan for the upcoming fight.
“We have to be switched on for the whole time we’re in the ring fighting Deontay Wilder. I know everyone is worried about the right hand, the equaliser, but as long as I focus on my plan and executing it I don’t have to worry about what he brings.”
Parker then spoke of the confidence he has in his own skills.
“I’m going to go in there and use what I know I can and fight the best I can and be ready the whole time.”
In a seperate interview with TalkSPORT, Parker revealed that Fury – who has one draw and two stoppage wins against Wilder – has been there in camp as usual.
“Tyson was able to give me some advice and some knowledge on fighting Deontay Wilder. The only difference is I’m not 6ft 9in with the longest reach, so whatever my strengths are I have to use them to the best of my ability.
He has given me a few pointers and advice and he’s actually helped me with sparring so anytime I have needed Tyson’s help, he’s always been there, so thanks to him for always making time to help me, especially for this camp and this fight coming up.”
One thing in the New Zealander’s favour is his activity level.
This will be his fourth fight of 2023 while Wilder has fought just once in two years – a first-round knockout of Robert Helenius – and recently admitted he hasn’t even trained too much in that time.