Joshua vs Parker: Our experts predict the big fight

By The Panel, Boxers, Trainers & Pundits

Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker is just hours away, so our experts have provided their predictions for the outcome.

Joshua and Parker meet, live on Sky Sports Box Office, to unify the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.

Here's what our experts expect to happen…

Book Joshua vs Parker online

Click here to book the Sky Sports Box Office heavyweight unification fight...

Carl Froch

Joshua will win by late stoppage. I can't see it going the distance. Joshua will be relaxed early, but he'll need to jab and move because, if Parker is busy, he'll nick rounds.

AJ will let lots of shots go and force the stoppage. The referee will jump in after a good combination.
Carl Froch

In the later rounds, Joshua will put it on him and pressurise him. He will let lots of shots go and force the stoppage. The referee will jump in after a good combination.

Advertisement

Tony Bellew

If it goes past eight rounds and Parker is as durable as Carlos Takam, it becomes a really hard fight. In the first eight, how much can Parker take?

If it goes past eight rounds and Parker is as durable as Carlos Takam, it becomes a really hard fight.
Tony Bellew

It's easy to tell people you've got the best chin in boxing, but it's different when you're hit with 10oz gloves. Even a jab hurts.

Also See:

Joshua has disposed of everyone he's faced. Joshua will win inside eight rounds.

Jamie Moore

Joshua will break Parker down, and stop him inside eight or nine rounds, in a very good performance.

Joshua will have to cut the ring off and use a nice, snappy jab. Eventually, he will catch him with a right hand.
Jamie Moore

Joshua will have to cut the ring off and use a nice, snappy jab. Eventually, he will catch him with a right hand. He won't hurt him early but he will see a reaction. We will see a crisp, sharp stoppage.

Johnny Nelson

Parker won't get cleaned out because he's a tough unit. What's liable to happen is that the referee will save Parker, or the towel will come in.

What's liable to happen is that the referee will save Parker, or the towel will come in.
Johnny Nelson

Joshua will win. He has to be smart, and use his jab. He must control the pace - he can't afford to let Parker control the pace because, in doing so, Parker has a fast right hand. Parker is busy and looks clumsy but he throws a naturally big right hand, over the top, which Joshua might be right there for.

Matthew Macklin

Parker is mobile with fast hands so Joshua has come in light, so he isn't sluggish.

Matthew Macklin breaks down the fight

Parker will move, that's his style, and he won't want to stand in front of Joshua. There was only six pounds between them [at the weigh-in] but Joshua looks more imposing. I'd be shocked if Parker had a fight with Joshua - I think he will use lateral movement.

Watch Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker, live and exclusive from Cardiff, March 31, on Sky Sports Box Office. Book via your Sky remote or online here.

Outbrain