Former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has issued some advice to the biggest player in the current heavyweight landscape, IBF/IBO/WBA champion Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs).
Holyfield has advised Joshua to avoid any unnecessary distractions and to keep his mind focused on the upcoming task at hand, WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker (24-0, 18 KOs).
The fight with Parker takes place on March 31, with over 70,000 fans expected at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Holyfield has a lot of respect for Parker, and views him as a realistic threat to Joshua's reign.
"Anthony Joshua is fighting this boy named Parker and Parker is a good fighter," Holyfield said told The Express.
“He has fast hands and he hits just as hard as he (Joshua) does. You can't look past opponents because you know what … styles make fights but the biggest thing is how much faith you have."
Should he get past Parker, Holyfield would like to see him face WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs).
Holyfield was ringside at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night, and watched Wilder survive a wild seventh round - when the unbeaten puncher was rocked badly and nearly stopped by Luis Ortiz. Wilder recovered, firing back with big punches to score two knockdowns for a dramatic knockout victory in the tenth round.
Wilder wants to face Joshua next, and he plans to be ringside in Cardiff to call out the winner of the upcoming unification.
There could be a delay, with Joshua possibly making his United States debut against Jarrell Miller in the summer.
Holyfield cautions both champions to avoid any delays. He says the contest should happen as soon as possible.
”If Joshua wins they (Joshua and Wilder) could both make about $250 million so why not make the money while the money is there? But at some point of time who knows if Joshua will be there? I'm telling you Parker is great. He is another fighter with a good mindset," Holyfield said.
