Anthony Joshua has no interest in facing Joseph Parker again, according to Parker’s promoter David Higgins, who believes the former two-time heavyweight champion sees the Kiwi as too big a risk.
Joshua, who sat ringside as Parker brutally knocked out Martin Bakole, has yet to respond to calls for a rematch.
But Higgins insists Joshua “wouldn’t take the fight”, arguing that Parker’s recent form makes him an extremely dangerous opponent.
“Joe would jump in with AJ in a heartbeat, but I reckon AJ wouldn’t take the fight,” Higgins told Sky Sports.
“I think AJ is a nice guy and he’s had a good career, but in recent times, he hasn’t looked comfortable in the ring, particularly in that last fight. He didn’t want to be there.”
Parker’s Redemption Arc: From 2018 Defeat to Heavyweight Menace
Parker previously lost to Joshua via unanimous decision in 2018, but his career resurgence has been remarkable.
With consecutive wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and now Bakole, the former WBO champion has reestablished himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
Higgins claims Parker’s fearless attitude sets him apart from other heavyweights, including Joshua.
“The way that Joseph is fighting, it would be a very risky call by AJ and his handlers to jump in the ring with Parker.”
“Most boxers take the lower-risk option, except for Joseph Parker. He takes the highest risk and the toughest option.”
“Fight by fight, Joseph is establishing more credibility, more menace. They’ll all be saying, ‘This guy is dangerous,’ and after the other day, ‘He really is dangerous.’”
“Anywhere, it would be ideal in the summer,” Higgins added.
Parker has been named the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO belt, but Usyk is expected to take a rematch with Daniel Dubois before retiring.
Meanwhile, Parker is eager to fight again within four months, with his team waiting on offers from Saudi organizers and Queensberry Promotions.
While Joshua’s next move remains unclear, Parker’s ferocious comeback has positioned him as a major force in the heavyweight division—one that even AJ might be reluctant to face again.
