Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker: More Value in Betting Than You Think

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It’s fight number 21 for the all-conquering English heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua as fans see the Londoner test himself against another big name in the division, Joseph Parker. The New Zealander holds the WBO version of the world title, making this a unification bout.

If Joshua beats Parker, as he’s expected to, and the 28-year-old will have another belt strapped around his waist, taking him a step closer to being crowned the division’s outright king. It’ll then be on to American Deontay Wilder. Not bad, considering fans had grown tired of the heavyweight scene under the rule of the Klitschko brothers. AJ is the pick of many to continue his clean-up operation, but he’ll get nothing for free here.

Source: Cardiff Council via Twitter

6ft 6inch orthodox Anthony Joshua protected his unbeaten record with a tenth-round TKO win over late stand-in Carlos Takam last time in Cardiff. The French-based African was given only weeks to prepare for the contest, which raised a few eyebrows as Joshua huffed and puffed his way to the win, referee Phil Edwards pulling the beaten man out for his own safety. A few at ringside believed the courageous challenger deserved to hear the final bell.

Another fight, another win inside-the-distance and scoring judges must love the champion as they’re always guaranteed a night off, never having their cards checked. It’s no surprise to see bookmakers price a successful defence as the red-hot favourite in the run-up to the first bell but siding with the champ in your betting tips for the Joshua v Parker fight isn’t enough, as he’s no more than 2/13 to prevail.

That prices average punters out of an interest, especially those looking to cover the night’s expenses with a winning punt. Pushed into the method of victory market and it’s interesting to see how traders see this one going. No one wants a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scrap, unless of course, you’re on the 9/2 about the bout ending inside two rounds. There’s plenty of power on show here, so that’s sure to receive a share of attention.

Source: Sky Sports Boxing via Twitter

After something a bit bigger? You’ll love the earth-shattering 40/on Joshua to beat Parker inside the first 60 seconds of the contest. A long-shot, of course, but it could happen. Those preferring to tone it down a little, nicking a well-priced favourite, can use the 2/5 Joshua by KO/TKO.

British fans are hoping the champion is on course for a winner-takes-all showdown with fellow Brit Tyson Fury, the latter can get himself fit again. But what of the upset? Well, AJ struggled to put Takam to bed, he was dumped on his backside by old man Klitschko and looked one punch away from losing the derby versus Dillian Whyte. He’s by no means bulletproof.

Joseph Parker is no mere opponent, arriving in Cardiff boasting 24 wins from 24 fights. 18 of those have come by way of knockout and that 75% KO average won’t be missed by value-hunters. Parker is a whopping 9/1 to ruin the party with a stoppage win.