After impressing in his press conference Joseph Parker has been well backed to upset the odds against Anthony Joshua in Cardioff on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Some tough talking and a steely inner belief from Joseph Parker has really struck a chord with punters betting on the fight, as the odds for the New Zealander to upset Anthony Joshua have shortened remarkably.
Parker has come from 8/1 in January to 6/1 in March and after the final press conference he’s shortened further to 9/2 – he’s still the big outsider but it’s getting closer.
So why are punters backing the New Zealander? Well, it’s got a lot to do with his demeanour in the build-up and what looks to be a rock-solid confidence that we’re rarely seen, or rather rarely believed, is Joshua’s opponents.
Anthony Joshua v Joseph Parker - Sky Bet odds
- Joshua to be knocked down & win – 10/1
- Joshua to win by KO in rounds 4-6 – 9/2
- Both men to be knocked down – 10/1
- Over 1.5 total knockdowns – 5/6
Many dismissed Parker as a serious challenger to Joshua when the fight was made, seeing it merely as a way of the unbeaten Briton to collect the WBO title the Kiwi holds before challenging Deontay Wilder for the final belt left on offer.
However, as we get to know Parker a bit more and he’s appearing on our screens he does cut a confident figure – as he should as an undefeated world heavyweight champion.
Parker has portrayed himself as a young,fast, hungry heavyweight, who'll baffle Joshua with his speed but with enough power to force a stoppage - vowing to not 'let him off the hook' like Wladimir Klitschko did at Wembley.
Parker's confidence is impressive, but the way he's voiced that confidence in a quiet, understated but determined manner, has turned many fans into believers that he could really cause a huge upset in Cardiff.
How's this for a staredown? 👀
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 28, 2018
❌ No trash talk here.
Respect was the order of the day when Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker came face-to-face. pic.twitter.com/9UsOmXnjYI
Method of victory
As for how the fight will be won, Joshua has predicted he'll stop Parker between 6-8 rounds and that's not too far off from when the majority of punters believe the fight will be ended in Joashua's favour.
Rounds seven, eight and nine have been the most popular pick so far - although Sky Bet's price boost of Joshua to win in rounds 4-6 priced at 4/1 has also been popular.
While there's no doubt Joshua remains huge favourite, Parker promises to be possibly his biggest test to date.
