Parker v Joshua: Kiwi set for career-defining performance - Al Bernstein

  • 20/03/2018

Be warned, Anthony Joshua - you underestimate Joseph Parker at your own peril.

That's the message from famed boxing analyst Al Bernstein, speaking on a Showtime Boxing broadcast.

The American pundit says he's impressed with the skills the Kiwi brings to the table, but admits the WBO champion has never quite produced the career-defining moment that made the boxing world stand up and notice.

Joshua produced exactly that type of performance in London in last year, when he knocked out Wladimir Klitschko to capture the WBA heavyweight title.

Bernstein sees their Cardiff meeting on April 1 as the perfect opportunity for Parker to have his moment.

"It would be a mistake to underestimate Joseph Parker," Bernstein says. "He has won every fight he has been in and given great performances, but never quite that signature performance.

Esteemed boxing pundit Al Bernstein.
Esteemed boxing pundit Al Bernstein. Photo credit: Getty

"He and his trainer believe this will be that moment, and I think he is capable of it."

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old has arrived in London as he goes through final preparations for the biggest fight of his career.

Parker had a day off on Monday (NZT), but was back in the gym on Tuesday, trying to work off a bit of weight he gained on the 10-hour flight.

"What I needed to do today was to get [his] blood flowing, get a good sweat up," says trainer Kevin Barry. "Joe's drunk a lot of water in the last couple of days, so I want to get some of that water weight off him."

Parker will head to Cardiff early next week.

Follow Joseph Parker's shot at glory with our live updates on April 1.