Boxing: Anthony Joshua says he doesn't like 'weird' Joseph Parker

Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua at the fight press conference. Photo / Photosport

Anthony Joshua has hit out at Joseph Parker, calling the Kiwi champion "weird" ahead of their heavyweight unification bout on April 1 (NZT).

Joshua has revealed he doesn't like "weird character" Parker and his "backstabbing" promotional team.

The British champion was asked on talkSPORT whether he liked his opponent and Joshua didn't mince words.

"He's a weird character. Not really, no," Joshua told talkSPORT.

Parker and his team previously caused controversy by publically baiting Joshua, in attempts to make the fight happen.

The fight was ultimately signed, but Joshua was clearly not impressed by the Kiwis' tactics.

"Do you know what it is with Parker and his team?" he continued. "Behind the scenes they're different, a lot of the things that they say are different.

"I've seen some of the emails that Parker's manager sent Eddie and they say some really backstabbing things, but in your face they shake your hand and that's not my type at all."

Does @anthonyfjoshua like @joeboxerparker? 🤔🥊

The Heavyweight Champion revealed all on the @JimWhite show. pic.twitter.com/8BSsr0ujwG

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 21, 2018

In particular, Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn took issue with Parker's jibes at his supposed "glass chin".

Hearn added: "In the build up to his fight they were goading Anthony Joshua: 'He's got a glass chin, he's got stamina issues, he's got no heart.'

"Then the fight gets signed and we give them the platform at the press conference to look him in the eye and tell him. He couldn't do it, he couldn't pull the trigger!

"We don't mind the hype, we like the criticism, but say it to us!"

Joshua held a media workout earlier today at his training base in Sheffield, where he promised fight fans that "there will be blood" when he fights Parker.

The 28-year-old also warned Parker that he is a "different animal".

"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.

Anthony Joshua looks on during a media workout. Photo / Getty Images

But Joshua insists he isn't underestimating Parker, who 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 [April 1 NZ time].

"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."

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