Joseph Parker says he has “unfinished business” with Anthony Joshua and wants to face the former heavyweight champion next.
The New Zealander spoke to Vegas Insider about Joshua’s comment that he would “suck” Parker if they fought in a rematch from their 2018 bout. That night in Cardiff saw Joshua become a holder of three world titles as Parker’s WBO belt followed his unanimous decision victory.
Joshua’s plans to regain the belt from Oleksandr Usyk are in limbo after the Ukrainian returned to his homeland to join the ongoing fight against Russian aggression.
Their second fight is scheduled for May, but challenger promoter Eddie Hearn says Usyk will have the time he needs to leave the ring leaving a void to be filled. Attention has now turned to having Joshua on the field in a non-title match, which will be his first fight with new coach Angel Fernandez.
“My manager, David [Higgins] Contacted Eddie and Frank [Smith] Parker said.
“I texted Frank Smith and said I could fight Joshua if Usyk and Joshua didn’t come forward. It’s unfinished business, I feel.
“I feel like I’m on the rise. But I can’t really comment whether he is or not. Even so, he is still at the top.”
Parker, now coached by Andy Lee, is in the gym with teammate Tyson Fury as ‘The Gypsy King’ preparing for his WBC heavyweight title defense against Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium on April 23. The 30-year-old tennis player, who completely beat Dereck Chisora last time, has spoken of his desire to get a date as soon as possible with talks going on behind the scenes to against Joe Joyce. However, the former WBO champion really wants a rematch with Joshua
“I saw what Anthony Joshua said. He wants to fight me and suck me? Come on, the first time he couldn’t suck me. Let’s back up what he’s saying then and let’s get on with it. Then let’s see who gets to smoke.
“The first fight of 2018 wasn’t exciting but it took both of us through. If we had a rematch, it would be different. If not from him, definitely from me.
“I have continued to train in the right direction, practice what Andy Lee has taught me and I am so much more confident. Time to punch it in the face and enjoy it. ”
