Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker fight set to be confirmed

Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua expects to get confirmation this week of his proposed unification bout against heavyweight rival Joseph Parker.

The BBC reports that Parker’s promoter David Higgins is due in London today to finalise a deal with Joshua’s camp and promoter Eddie Hearn.

It’s rumoured that Joshua vs. Parker could take place on 31 March in Cardiff. The Principality Stadium, where Joshua beat Carlos Takam in October, is the likely venue says the BBC. The Daily Express adds that Twickenham and Old Trafford have also been considered.

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New Zealander Parker is the holder of the WBO belt while Joshua is the current WBA and IBF champion. Sky Sports says that Parker has been issued a “weight target” by his trainer and could be a stone lighter than Joshua if the two meet in the ring.

Parker’s trainer Kevin Barry told Sky Sports: “I can’t speak for Anthony Joshua, but I can speak for Joseph Parker, and yes we’ll come in lighter for this fight. I think it’s very important that Joe is very fast on his feet and very mobile in this fight against Joshua.

“We’ve been planning for this day. We’ve been thinking about this fight, we’ve been visualising Joe in the ring with Joshua. The styles of these guys match up very, very well.”

Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder believes that a bout against Joshua would not be difficult to arrange. The WBC champion is prepared to travel to get in the ring with the British star. Wilder faces Luis Ortiz on 3 March but is already looking towards a future duel with Joshua.

Speaking to the Express the American said: “I don’t think the business side is going to be that difficult, especially after I beat Luis Ortiz and I knock him out.

“I’m not worried about travelling. But is he [Joshua] worried about travelling? He’s never travelled, and he ain’t planning on travelling. I like to travel.”

Joshua v Parker betting odds

Best prices according to the bookmakers:

Paddy Power

• Joshua to win: 1/20
• Draw: 33/1
• Parker to win: 9/1

Betfair

• Joshua to win: 1/20
• Draw: 33/1
• Parker to win: 9/1

Boyle Sports

• Joshua to win: 1/25
• Draw: 28/1
• Parker to win: 17/2