CARL FROCH has questioned Anthony Joshua’s punching power, stamina and ‘mental toughness’ to last 12 rounds against Joseph Parker.
Brit AJ, 28, declared yesterday he had been preparing to go the distance but predicted he would KO the Kiwi challenger at the Principality Stadium.
But Froch fears the WBA and IBF champion will struggle if Saturday’s heavyweight showdown is settled on points.
The 40-year-old former super middleweight champ said: “There are doubts over Joshua’s longevity, stamina and ability to work in the championship rounds — nine to 12.
“Parker has got fast hands, a high workrate and will be fit for the distance. We don’t know if Joshua has got the toughness mentally to be disciplined throughout the whole fight.
“And you do question whether AJ’s got the engine but his size, strength and growing confidence might be enough. I think Joshua will stop him late on — but he is not a one-punch knockout man.
Joshua vs Parker: Tips and odds ahead of unification bout
ANTHONY JOSHUA has vowed to take his time and pick his shots, while Joseph Parker will be relying to land a big hit, writes Wally Downes Jr.
If AJ adopts his calculated approach, Parker will be on the back foot – but regardless of his tactics we back Joshua to win by stoppage.
And he could select his shots and KO the Kiwi in the later rounds.
But if Parker turns this bout into a scrap, which he needs to do, AJ could land his heavy right hand earlier on.
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“The ones he has knocked out have been journeymen, the guys who turn up for you to get your eye in at the start of your career.
“I can’t see Josh knocking him out with one shot and if it goes the distance this could be a very, very close fight.”
NO WALK IN PARK AJ insists Parker is ‘more dangerous’ than Wilder ahead of Cardiff showdown
And Froch believes AJ has looked rattled.
He added: “Joshua seems more wound up than I’ve seen him before. He never usually bites but he’s been a bit upset and grumpy.
“Parker has said a few things which have really p****d him off and he’s got the needle.
“If he’s got inside his head Joshua might go and have a swing at him like he did against Dillian Whyte in their first fight, where he got caught with a left hook.”
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