There is a massive amount of hype surrounding the heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker on March 31st. The media in the UK, New Zealand and to some extent, the States, has been building the bout as part of the rebirth of the heavyweight division.
The fight, which takes place at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, UK, will see Joshua put his three heavyweight titles on the line (IBF, IBO and WBA) in a bid to add Parker’s WBO belt to his glowing resume. The bout will be shown on Showtime in the USA and Sky Sports in the UK.
There are, of course, plenty of subplots surrounding the fight, with both boxers holding unbeaten records. Joshua (20-0, 20KOs) has won every professional fight by knockout or technical knockout, which included an impressive victory over Wladimir Klitschko by KO in the 11th round. Parker’s record is not just as perfect. He has had 24 fights, winning 18 by KO and the other six by judges’ decision. His last three fights have gone the distance, sometimes ending controversially.
Joshua priced in as overwhelming favourite in Cardiff
Joshua’s perfect record has caused him to be placed as an overwhelming favourite in the odds for the fight. He is priced around 1/12 to win (by any means) on the night. A KO/TKO win is given odds of 1/4, whereas winning by decision/points for the first time in his career is priced at odds of 9/2. While lots of bettors will be trying to make a quick buck on Joshua, there are lots of different special markets for the fight, so be sure to check out this Joshua vs Parker Betting page for more information.
Parker has still got plenty of backers for the fight however. His odds of 13/2 will tempt plenty of punters, especially those that believe the trash-talk about Joshua’s glass-chin. It is 14/1 for Parker to win by KO/TKO, but the most interesting bet may be Parker to win by decision at 33/1. Parker’s last three fights – Hughie Fury, Razvan Cojanu, Andy Ruiz Jnr – all went that way, and there is a perception that the New Zealander always finds a way to win.
Parker still has plenty of backers for the fight
Indeed, plenty of observers believe that the bookmakers have got the odds all wrong. While there really is no evidence of Joshua’s glass-chin, there is a perception that Parker can cause the British fighter plenty of problems. Parker is a clever boxer, with very quick hands and good feet. Joshua trumps him in terms of size and reach, but Parker’s speed might be able to counter him. Klitschko knocked Joshua down twice during their fight – the Brit is not infallible.
Wilder, Fury lying in wait for fight winner
After the fight, the hype will be turned up another notch. This is being written just before WBC champion Deontay Wilder defends his belt against Luis Ortiz (3rd March, NYC). The question will be can someone unify all the belts in the division. The money fight will be Wilder vs. Joshua, but things are never that simple in boxing. There is also the fact that Tyson Fury will enter the fray at some point. The controversial British boxer, and former Fighter of the Year, is partly responsible for this scramble at the top of the division. If fit, he could represent a fearsome foe for the man who unifies the titles.