Joshua vs Parker: Anthony Joshua says he is making history as he prepares to battle Joseph Parker
Friday 30 March 2018 15:32, UK
Anthony Joshua said he is making history with every victory after he weighed in for his unification clash with Joseph Parker almost a stone lighter than his previous ring appearance.
The WBA 'Super' and IBF heavyweight world champion will look to extend his perfect unbeaten record and unify belts against WBO champ Parker this Saturday at The Principality Stadium, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
These wins are creating history. This is history. Two undefeated champions coming together, the last person to do this was Mike Tyson around 30 years ago.
Much of the pre-fight speculation centred on Joshua's weight, having weighed in at a career heaviest 18st 2lb for his win over Carlos Takam last October, and 'AJ' admitted that he felt he needed to shed a few pounds.
"When you're carrying a little extra weight, it makes things difficult," Joshua, began, speaking to Sky Sports.
"I've been running and training well and shedding that bit of weight to make things easier and I feel better. It's the perfect weight for the fighter I'm about to face.
"He [Parker] is nimble, quick and has boxing skills but I can control him and match him for speed, I think.
"Parker looked phenomenal and I give him credit, but I don't want to make weight such a big factor in the heavyweight division.
"It shows he has put all the work in and I'm happy I'm facing a lively challenger."
Joshua insists that he very much has a challenger's mentality going into Saturday's dust-up but also acknowledges that he is making history.
"Even though I'm the champion of the world, in my mind I'm a challenger. I'm challenging for the WBO world title," 'AJ' continued.
"I'm hungry, determined, and willing to go the distance or to take risks to get him out of there early.
"It will be emotional if I win. I'm taking everything more serious now.
"These wins are creating history. This is history. Two undefeated champions coming together, the last person to do this was Mike Tyson around 30 years ago.
"If I get this win, we will set history late on in 2018 and become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world."
