I'm a Kiwi and a big Parker fan. However, while I will be rooting hard for Parker against AJ, I think AJ wins at the present. His two advantages (hand-speed and chin) won't be enough to deal with Joshua's reach and power. At this stage I suspect Joshua knocks him out because Parker's defense needs work. I would prefer Parker to go after one of the other belts - I'd rather see him fight Fury rather than Joshua. Reason being if he loses to Fury it'll probably be a UD with Parker claiming a few rounds, and Parker would still be a major prospect. If Joshua knocks him out next year it's a long road back to the top.
I've not seen that much of Parker but Joshua's in my eyes the more complete package. He's got the size and power on Parker.
I agree, but I think fury is all wrong for him too, even taller and longer than Joshua, plus fury has a high boxing iq. I think his best shot is against wilder. His last fight showed me he doesn't use his physical advantages well.
Yeah agreeing with a lot of this though Parker and AJ are both growing noticeably with each fight and seem to be gaining momentum. AJ showed some real good improvements over his approach to DW and I'd say a DW rematch would show a lot (not saying that should happen). I think Parker is still developing and I suspect his power is being underestimated a little at the moment because of how he uses it in the ring, I think it's much closer to AJs than many suspect and it is definitely enough to trouble Joshua when combined with speed and technique but from what has been demonstrated by both so far I would have to agree with all that AJ would be a clear favourite right now. I am thinking there is a good chance Parker may well show things he hasn't had a chance to or hadn't quite developed yet against Takam... at least I'm kind of hoping that's the case. This will be a make or break fight for now, though the tough thing here is that Takam is a tougher nut than Joshua had to crack.
One thing we can agree on is Parker is a level above the hapless Prince Martin of St Louis who will be remembered as the worst belt holder of all time.
I favour Parker against Wilder. Same level of speed*power-effect but Parker has the chin - thus more willing to trade.
The Takam fight really is an awesome match up, or at least should be. It's really one of the most interesting HW fights made so far this year imho, more so that Martin vs Joshua if you ignore the title involved.
I agree. Wilder is the best chance of winning a belt for Parker. But Parker is #1 WBO contender, which means getting a shot against Fury is much more realistic than Wilder. My point was that a loss to Fury via UD wouldn't hurt his career in the same way as a knockout defeat to Joshua. And Fury was dropped by the even smaller Cunningham, so Parker does have a puncher's chance, if only that.