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Joshua vs Parker: Frank Bruno has tactical advice for Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker face each other for a photo during the press conference at the Dorchester Hotel
Image: Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker will meet again in Cardiff on March 31

British boxing great Frank Bruno says Anthony Joshua needs to be careful he does not get drawn into a war when he takes on Joseph Parker.

Bruno thinks Joshua can be fancied to pick up the win in Cardiff later this month so long as he gets his tactics right.

WBA 'super' and IBF champion Joshua will square off with WBO king Parker on March 31 in an eagerly-awaited heavyweight showdown.

Bruno, a former heavyweight world champion, told Sky Sports: "Anthony Joshua has got the size, the power, and the skill - and Parker is a guy who comes to him all the time.

Watch Parker vs Joshua
Watch Parker vs Joshua

Book online here for Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker, live and exclusive from Cardiff, March 31, on Sky Sports Box Office

"If Anthony Joshua moves around and uses his reach and his power, he should make it, not an easy fight, but make it easier for himself.

"If he is going to get macho and start wanting to tear up with him, then Parker is a very dangerous guy, very fit, and he is on you all the time

"Joshua has a lot of skill, a lot of size, a lot of power. If he just relaxes and uses Parker to come in, it is as simple as that."

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If Joshua can defeat Parker, it has been speculated that a huge showdown with WBC king Deontay Wilder could be in the offing but Bruno does not think his fellow Brit will be distracted by such a prospect.

Image: Frank Bruno wants Joshua to relax and use his reach

"He is a good guy Anthony Joshua," said Bruno. "A very, very focused guy. He is on his game - he goes to the gym and he trains very hard.

"His feet are on the ground and he deserves everything he gets.

"I think just take one step at a time because Parker is not a mug. He is a very tough guy and he comes to fight."

Joseph Parker
Image: Joseph Parker has vowed to put on the performance of his life on March 31

Another name who could enter the heavyweight mix is Tyson Fury, who is unbeaten and a former world champion, but with much to prove, having not fought since defeating Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015.

Bruno said: "Tyson Fury is a much better fighter than a lot of people give him credit for.

"Sometimes he talks a little bit hibbery-gibbery here and there. If he can put the hibbery-gibbery in a box and stick to his boxing, he is a very good boxer. Turns southpaw, turns orthodox - very good fighter.

"He would give Anthony Joshua a good run for his money but I am an Anthony Joshua fan. I like his style, I like his hunger and his focus."

Bruno was speaking to Sky Sports at a 24-hour skipathon at the Nottingham School of Boxing in aid of British boxing great Herol 'Bomber' Graham, who was recently admitted to a mental health hospital.

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