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I think all the criticism of Parker is highly unfair. Fans usually criticise two main things:
1. A fighters level of opposition, and
2. Fighters activity or inactivity.
I can say that all three current HW champions have relatively weak resumés, with Wilder having the worst, added to the two and a half years he has spent as WBC champ.
Joshua has the better record, having fought Dillian Whyte (undefeated and ranked, Charles Martin too) since he picked up the IBF strap in Aril of last year. Added to that he fought a still dangerous Wladimir Klitschko, getting off the canvas to stop him.
Last but not least is Joe Parker. Picking up the vacant WBO belt by beating undefeated Andy Ruiz Jr in December of last year. The strongest positive claim for him is his activity.
He fought five times in 2015, five times again in 2016, and so far twice defended his title this year, even travelling to Fury's backyard where it seemed everything was set up to give Fury every advantage.
Parker is the smallest of the three (6'4" weighing an average 110 kgs) but possesses better than average skills, and a good chin. Added to that his excellent fitness and conditioning. However, it seems that since he has stepped up the level of competition he has been unable to KO anyone.
Joshua is 6'6" weighing an average of 112 kg. He is obviously a rippling muscular machine, with great power, good skills, I wouldn't say he has a weak chin, but he can be put down, though his instinct to recover and win over-rides this perceived ***** in his armour. In the Klitschko fight, he showed just how durable and versatile he can be. His activity is satisfactory but not as good as Parker's.
Wilder is a giant at 6'7", but is a rangier 105 kgs. Has the weakest resume, possesses enormous power, but appears limited in terms of good basic boxing skills, tending to be wild and hot-headed. His chin hasn't really been tested but seems to have heart and good athletic ability.
If he goes the distance again with Stiverne, then fans will surely question his ability to KO higher-ranked opposition, just like Parker.
I really don't think it is as easy as ranking them 1,2,3; but at the moment Joshua appears to be the strongest, with Wilder and Parker jostling for second position.
Of course, if you put them in the ring, then on paper a Wilder v Parker fight would see Parker at a significant disadvantage, giving up 3 inches in height and a staggering 7" in reach.
On paper, the stats would be more even in a Wilder v Joshua fight, with AJ only giving up 1" in both reach and height.
1. A fighters level of opposition, and
2. Fighters activity or inactivity.
I can say that all three current HW champions have relatively weak resumés, with Wilder having the worst, added to the two and a half years he has spent as WBC champ.
Joshua has the better record, having fought Dillian Whyte (undefeated and ranked, Charles Martin too) since he picked up the IBF strap in Aril of last year. Added to that he fought a still dangerous Wladimir Klitschko, getting off the canvas to stop him.
Last but not least is Joe Parker. Picking up the vacant WBO belt by beating undefeated Andy Ruiz Jr in December of last year. The strongest positive claim for him is his activity.
He fought five times in 2015, five times again in 2016, and so far twice defended his title this year, even travelling to Fury's backyard where it seemed everything was set up to give Fury every advantage.
Parker is the smallest of the three (6'4" weighing an average 110 kgs) but possesses better than average skills, and a good chin. Added to that his excellent fitness and conditioning. However, it seems that since he has stepped up the level of competition he has been unable to KO anyone.
Joshua is 6'6" weighing an average of 112 kg. He is obviously a rippling muscular machine, with great power, good skills, I wouldn't say he has a weak chin, but he can be put down, though his instinct to recover and win over-rides this perceived ***** in his armour. In the Klitschko fight, he showed just how durable and versatile he can be. His activity is satisfactory but not as good as Parker's.
Wilder is a giant at 6'7", but is a rangier 105 kgs. Has the weakest resume, possesses enormous power, but appears limited in terms of good basic boxing skills, tending to be wild and hot-headed. His chin hasn't really been tested but seems to have heart and good athletic ability.
If he goes the distance again with Stiverne, then fans will surely question his ability to KO higher-ranked opposition, just like Parker.
I really don't think it is as easy as ranking them 1,2,3; but at the moment Joshua appears to be the strongest, with Wilder and Parker jostling for second position.
Of course, if you put them in the ring, then on paper a Wilder v Parker fight would see Parker at a significant disadvantage, giving up 3 inches in height and a staggering 7" in reach.
On paper, the stats would be more even in a Wilder v Joshua fight, with AJ only giving up 1" in both reach and height.
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