Joshua: I’m now a ‘different animal’ 

Anthony Joshua has warned Joseph Parker he is a “different animal” to the fighter who stopped Carlos Takam last time out.

The IBF and WBA champion enjoyed a media workout at his Sheffield base ahead of his fight against New Zealand’s WBO king at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on March 31.

Joshua bludgeoned Takam in a brutal bout last October. And AJ has promised fight fans “there will be blood” again when he fights Parker, who the British boxer described as a “phenomenal champion” in his own right.

“Every fight and training camp has been something to learn from,” he told Sky Sports.

“Who I was for my last training camp, I just feel like I’m a different animal, more fine-tuned. I don’t just work hard anymore, I work smart, I’m becoming a real student of the game.”

AJ is the heavy favourite to triumph at the Principality Stadium and continue on the road to a huge fight with Deontay Wilder for the title of undisputed champion.

But Joshua insists he is not overlooking Parker, a world champion unbeaten in 24 professional fights and who Eddie Hearn has described as his ‘toughest fight’ to date.

“Parker is a phenomenal champion – tough, he has his (Samoan) heritage and he wants to prove he’s a worthy champion,” Joshua said.

“Anyone I fight, they always come 30 per cent better than what I’ve seen so I can’t expect the same old Parker in the ring on March 31. I’ve seen there’s been a lot of talk about the future but my future ends on March 31.

“That’s where my goal is and that’s where I’m focused on…. I can’t take my eye of this guy. He’s talented and he wants to prove himself.”