JOSEPH PARKER has challenged Anthony Joshua to an official rematch. He claims that the two have 'unfinished business in the ring'.
AJ lost his unified heavyweight titles after Oleksandr Usyk beat him at Tottenham in September.
Anthony Joshua has been challenged by Joseph Parker to a rematch
Joshua invoked his right for an immediate rematch. His promoter Eddie Hearn wanted to schedule it for May or June.
However, this clash is now in serious doubt after Russia invaded Ukraine. Usyk bravely took up arms to defend his country.
The Brit said he would fight Usyk in the interim if Usyk was not otherwise busy with other matters.
After Parker's name was mentioned in the interview, AJ said that he would smoke’ New Zealander who had won against him by unanimous decision in 2018.
Parker, now 30, insists that he is more confident after beating Derek Chisora twice last season. This is due to his training with Andy Lee, Tyson Fury assistant coach in the UK.
He said that Joshua's camp had already reached out to Matchroom's Hearn about a rematch and vowed that things would be different this time.
Get a PS10 Bonus with 100s of Games to Play and No Deposit RequiredHe said to Vegas Insider, "I saw what Anthony Joshua had said."
"He wants to fight me and smoke with me?" He couldn't even smoke me the first time. Let's not forget what he says and get on with it. Let's then see who gets smoked.
"The first fight of 2018 was not exciting, but it came down between us both. It would have been different if we had a rematch. I would be the one to win, if not from him.
"I've been keeping on track with my training and practicing what Andy Lee taught me, and I feel a lot more confident. It's time to enjoy the fight and not be afraid to take a punch in the face.
"With Andy by my side and the new style and training we have done, I will have more confidence. I see myself getting better and improving from now on.
Parker said, "My manager David reached out to Eddie & Frank about me fighting Joshua."
"I have sent Frank Smith a text and said that I could fight Joshua if Usyk or Joshua do not go ahead. It's not over, I feel.
"I feel that I'm on the up. However, I cannot really comment on whether he's still at the top. He is still at top, however."
These quotations first appeared on the Vegas Insider Blog.
