AUCKLAND – Joseph Parker will fight Anthony Joshua on March 31, with the fight being confirmed by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn tweeted the confirmation of the much-anticipated world heavyweight fight, which will be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Joshua will defend his WBA, IBF and IBO belts in the fight, with Parker holding the WBO belt in what will be a massive unification bout.
After lengthy negotiations, Parker is set to bank about $NZ12 million ($F18m) from the fight (not $NZ30m ($F44m as mentioned in some recent reports) —— and even more in the rematch should he be successful. However, he said money wasn’t a motivating factor.
“I’ve done it a few times now,” he said.
“The money —— if you train hard and focus on what you have to do, the money comes. Everyone has their job. My promoters are focused on what they have to do and I know what I have to do —— train hard, be mentally strong, be in great shape and put in a great performance. As long as I know what my focus is and what I have to do, the money side of things won’t affect me.”
Joshua gave credit to Parker and his team for agreeing to terms for the fight.”We all know what happened last time I was in a unification fight. It was gruelling, it was interesting, and we both left the ring with masses of respect,” said Joshua.
“These fights aren’t easy, cause there’s a lot on the line, so respect to Team Parker for taking the challenge. You know me —— I love this game —— I’m looking forward to it, training camp is underway, and before you know it, March 31 will be upon us.”
