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Panic in camp? Anthony Joshua reportedly struggling to prepare for megabout with sparring partners unable to replicate Joe Parker's unique fighting style

March 15, 2018

The Kiwi warned Joshua he would chase him around the ring.

Signs of panic appear to be surfacing in Anthony Joshua's camp ahead of his unification fight with Kiwi champion Joseph Parker, with the British fighter reportedly struggling to find sparring partners to help him prepare for the bout.

Mailata has just arrived back in the country and spoke with 1 NEWS' Matt Manukia.

Joshua's team has been forced to make odd moves in the build-up to the April 1 fight, including bringing in Kiwi amateur Patrick Mailata to spar with Joshua briefly.

It was also reported weeks ago that management had attempted to bring in Joshua's last opponent, Carlos Takam, for a couple of rounds in the training ring.

It's also understood there have been late calls made to Malik Scott and Erica Molina to get the American duo to the Sheffield training camp.

Scott has sparred with Parker previously while Molina is another of Joshua's victims in his 20-0 career.

Patrick Mailata is in England preparing for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games by training with the world's best.

Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, said there was a simple reason for such processes taking place behind closed doors.

"AJ doesn't want to spar someone who is not on a world level, AJ wants someone who is competitive."

The area Joshua's camp is likely struggling to replicate is Parker's unique combination of power and hand speed - an area boxing legend Evander Holyfield said could be the Kiwi fighter's chance to cause an upset.

He has fast hands and he hits just as hard as he (Joshua) does," Holyfield said.

"You can't look past opponents because you know what … styles make fights but the biggest thing is how much faith you have.

"I'm telling you Parker is great. He is another fighter with a good mindset."

Parker and Joshua meet at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on April 1 NZT.

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