Anthony Joshua isn't untouchable - boxing expert Adam Smith

  • 21/01/2018
The boxing pundit believes the Brit isn't as untouchable as he's made out to be.
The boxing pundit believes the Brit isn't as untouchable as he's made out to be. Photo credit: Getty Images

Sky's Sports UK head of boxing Adam Smith believes British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua isn't as untouchable as he's made out to be ahead of his fight against Kiwi Joseph Parker.

Many experts and pundits are predicting an easy win for Joshua for the fight, which will take place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on April 1 (NZ time).

The highly anticipated bout will see Joshua and Parker put their IBF, WBA Super, IBO and WBO belts and unbeaten records on the line as both fighters aim to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since Lennox Lewis in 1999.      

But Smith, who will provide commentary the bout, told Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes on RadioLIVE's Sunday Sport, he believes a fighter of Parker's pedigree is capable of stopping Joshua's dominance at the top of the heavyweight division.

"I don't think Joshua is untouchable in any stretch of the imagination.

"Parker is unbeaten; he's won all 24 fights. He's never been on the floor. He's as tough as they come and he's got a chance - of course he does, every heavyweight does.

Sky's Sports UK head of boxing Adam Smith.
Sky's Sports UK head of boxing Adam Smith. Photo credit: Getty Images

"Although he starts as the underdog, it is a great challenge for Joe. He has great genetics. Being from your part of the world he is going to be strong, tough and give it everything.

"Parker doesn't go into this fight without a chance."

Although Smith admits it will be a tall order for the Kiwi to be victorious, as he favours his fellow Brit to reign supreme and become one step closer to becoming the unified champion.

"What Anthony does have is huge power, great athleticism and terrific willpower, as he's proved, and one thing he is defiantly not is mentally and physically weak, as David Higgins keeps telling us.

"He's a very strong guy. He's very tough and I think it's going to take a very good fighter to beat him.

"Could that be Joseph Parker? It could. I think it's unlikely. I think he's got too much strength, power, momentum and the home advantage he's used to this stage, to the massive crowds."

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