Joseph Parker's trainer Kevin Barry believes Anthony Joshua is scared of losing to Kiwi fighter in unification title fight

  • 10/02/2018

Joseph Parker's trainer Kevin Barry believes that Anthony Joshua and his team are scared of losing their championship belts to the Kiwi in their upcoming unification title bout.

The fight will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on April 1 (NZT) and will see Joshua and Parker put their IBF, WBA Super, IBO and WBO belts and unbeaten records on the line.

If Parker wins the fight, there is a rematch clause that Joshua can exercise, and speaking to BoxingScene, Barry believes it's there because Joshua is scared of losing.

"The reason why there is a rematch clause is because they are actually worried that they will lose the fight," Barry told BoxingScene.

"Let's remember that both of these guys - Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker - are not the finished product. They are still learning their trade and still developing. They are still becoming better.

Anthony Joshua.
Anthony Joshua. Photo credit: Getty Images

"Joe at 26 is the youngest fighter in anyone's top ten so of course Joshua and his people were going to put a rematch clause in the contract because when Joe beats him they need to try to get their belts back.

"I am pretty sure in a lot of other fights he has had there wasn't a rematch clause in the contract."

Joshua heads into the fight as the big favourite to win, but WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder believes Kiwi Joseph Parker has one definitive edge over the Olympics gold medallist.

"I tell people that I would rather be the part then look the part, looking the part isn't going to get me nowhere," Wilder told RadioLIVE.

"I've seen many people look the part but when it's time to perform in a place where it really matters, they can't pull the trigger.

"Parker will also have to be mobile which I think he will do a pretty good job of.  The things I'm telling you now I've told him before because we talk.

"He is going to have to continue to punch while he moves and keep his head moving. If he can do that, he will see openings and see some of the weakness Joshua has."

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