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Watch: Playful Joseph Parker swears he's given up pies as he shreds for next week's fight against Anthony Joshua

March 24, 2018

A playful Parker joked about his past as a pie eater as he discussed weight loss ahead of his world title fight with Anthony Joshua.

Joshua Parker has baited Anthony Joshua to engage more in an apparent war of words, saying his British rival has been “boring lately”.

In his first media conference since arriving in the UK, Parker was asked about Joshua’s comments that his Kiwi rival was weird and that Parker’s team was full of backstabbers.

“It was very interesting that he said that because he’s sort of stepped out of his comfort zone and said something interesting,” Parker said.

“He’s been boring lately but it’s good, he’s taken that first step and hopefully he can say a bit more.”

Parker also spoke about the big improvement in power he had felt after undergoing surgeries on his elbows following an underwhelming 2017.

“It’s made a big difference (in power), and I look forward to showing you guys the difference it has made,” Parker said.

Trainer Kevin Barry said Parker’s ability to battle through the years of pain spoke volumes about Parker’s toughness and character.

“You know when the surgeon sat down and looked at the initial damage that was done to Joe’s elbows, he said ‘how was he able to perform at a world elite level?’”

Parker’s weight loss was also a major talking point, with the undefeated Kiwi saying he is in the best shape of his life.

“I feel like I am in the best shape and I think you guys can tell with my face being a little bit skinnier than last time I was here and also I’m starting to see some abs coming along which is a very good sign.”

Parker, who was labelled a “pie eater” by British talk show host Graham Norton, revealed that he had given up one of his favourite foods during camp in Las Vegas.

The New Zealand heavyweight said the British heavyweight had been “a bit boring lately” and also addressed his rival’s treatment of the NZ and Samoan media.

“I love pies on my offseason, this camp, there’s been no pies, Kev tell them, no pies whatsoever,” a laughing Parker told the media.

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