Joseph Parker’s coach Kevin Barry admits that the talk about Anthony Joshua’s chin might have been just a bit exaggerated.
The WBO World heavyweight champion and his team made numerous remarks about Joshua’s ability to take a punch in order to build up the fight and get some leverage in the negotiations.
“There was a lot of talk about Joshua’s chin by our team in the negotiations of this fight,” Barry told the Eyes on the Game radio show according to Stuff.
👊🏼👔 #March31pic.twitter.com/ssVTlgAbbO
— Joseph Parker (@joeboxerparker) January 30, 2018
“A lot of it was promotional and marketing strategies. It was also said to try and build Joseph’s profile in the UK before we were able to sign this fight,” explained coach Barry.
The experienced boxing mind agrees that Joshua showed grit and toughness in his fight against Wladimir Klitschko but strongly believes that his fighter can finish the job.
“Look, I think Anthony Joshua has got a very good chin. He’s been hit by some big punches. In the Klitschko fight, we know Klitshcko’s a big powerful guy. He had him on the ground but Joshua was able to shake it off and come back and score a spectacular knock out.
“We don’t think Joshua has a dodgy chin, we just know he can be knocked down,” said Barry.
Parker chose Las Vegas as his training ground for the big unification heavyweight title. Meanwhile the WBA, IBF & IBO World champion is preparing in Sheffield.
Promoter Eddie Hearn recently gave an update on Joshua’s training.
“Two weeks now into camp. Training hard. Sparring starts next week. Early days but he’s kept himself very fit outside of his camp. Brought his weight down nicely. He’s made that mistake before of having that rest and eating very well and coming into camp too heavy.
Hard Work ~ Smart Work 🥊 #AJBXNGpic.twitter.com/A129cvqxV8
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) January 29, 2018
“This time he came to camp nice and light. Hopefully that will continue to fight night,” said Hearn to Boxing Social.
Joshua and Parker will fight on March 31st in front of a packed Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. This will be Joshua’s third stadium show while the Kiwi will perform on the big stage for the first time ever.
Coach Barry knows what lies ahead but he isn’t worried about pressure.
“We’re going into the lion’s den, and this excites me as a coach, excites Joe as a fighter, excites our whole team.
“Obviously, Anthony Joshua draws very big crowds in the UK and that’s the obvious reason why we’re going there, but when Joe knocks Joshua out in this fight, Joseph Parker’s brand will go right through the roof,” Barry concluded.
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