Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker: WBO champion will walk out of press conference if Brit turns up late

Parker has accused Joshua of being disrespectful in the build-up to the fight

(Getty)

Joseph Parker has threatened to walk out of his press conference with Anthony Joshua on Wednesday if the WBA (Super) and IBF champion turns up late again.

The Kiwi has already accused his Cardiff opponent of a lack of respect for an alleged snub of the New Zealand and Samoan media with Joshua turning up late for their last press conference, causing a frustrating delay.

While the tactic appears to be a psychological ploy to get inside Parker’s head, with Joshua already claiming the WBO champion will be ‘overwhelmed’ by the crowd size at the Principality Stadium, the 26-year-old’s promoter David Higgins has warned AJ about his timekeeping.

“Joshua does look rattled and this press conference tomorrow is part of that whole game,” said Higgins. “I tell you this, we will be in control of that press conference. Whatever the start time is, 11[am]?

“AJ thinks it's fashionable to be late, whatever, and maybe he thinks that he gets a psychological edge by being late. We just think it's silly and disrespectful.

“We will start on the dot. We will start the press conference on time and will leave 30 minutes later.

“If AJ doesn't show up, it shows that he has no respect for the media, or for the fans, because he's been late 100 times in a row. The first challenge to Anthony Joshua is to be on time for the first time in your life.

"We will start on the dot, whether Anthony is there or not. Eddie should make an effort to get his man there on time. I know it's a challenge, Eddie. I'm glad I'm working with Joseph Parker.”