Joshua vs Parker: Anthony Joshua would 'embrace' a Haka from Joseph Parker
Friday 30 March 2018 13:54, UK
Anthony Joshua is primed to encounter a Haka from Joseph Parker’s team with just one night remaining before their fight.
Parker, from New Zealand via Samoa, will be accompanied to the ring by his uncles who were appointed Samoan High Chiefs after being tattooed by a boar's tooth in the traditional manner.
Joshua has been prepared not to be fazed if Parker's team perform a version of the Haka war dance, popularised by the All-Blacks rugby team, designed to intimidate opposition at Friday's weigh-in or on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office before their unification bout.
"[Joshua] will want to watch, he loves that stuff. He embraces culture," promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports.
"Last time with Joshua, his music failed. He wasn't bothered. I asked how it affected him but he said 'nothing'."
Parker will walk to the ring first on Saturday night, followed by Joshua.
"Every time we walk Joseph in, it is a symbol. He is a Samoan warrior and a New Zealand warrior, and we are proud of that," his uncle Sua told Sky Sports News.
"He always had a vision, and this is his vision. He is a world champion and we believe he will get all the belts."
Rudy added: "The tattoos are very important to our country. We try to protect him. We carry the weapon for him.
The Samoans in New Zealand are doing a prayer meeting. Samoa is a small island and one of our sons getting to this stage in the world is a big thing
"There will be singing and blessings for Joseph. Samoa is planning a Mass. The Samoans in New Zealand are doing a prayer meeting. Samoa is a small island and one of our sons getting to this stage in the world is a big thing, so everybody is praying. I believe our son will be superior."
Parker teased the Cardiff fans about his heritage earlier in the week, saying: "The All-Blacks, in the rugby, always do great here in Wales so I'm looking forward to keeping that record clean."
The Manu Siva Tau is the Samoan version of the Haka, which is native to New Zealand.
