The promoter of WBO World Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker has claimed Eddie Hearn tried to “make him look a prat”, by trying to engage the New Zealander into a war of words at the press conference for Parker’s upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua.
Plenty of mudslinging had taken place from both sides ahead of the fight being confirmed, Parker’s camp claiming Anthony Joshua was “mentally weak”, while Joshua claimed he “would smack Parker round the ring, and refuse him a handshake after the fight”.
In reality, when the two fighters came face to face in London this week, much of the verbal sparring was left to the promoters, with Hearn instructing Higgins “not to let his bum deceive him”.
In response to the actions of Hearn in the press conference, Higgins told The Sportsman he felt Eddie was trying to provoke him in front of the cameras.
“Eddie wanted me to go for Anthony’s jugular in front of everyone” claimed Higgins after the press conference. “I made my points about his chin and his mental strength, that wasn’t enough for Eddie. He wanted to make me look a prat”.
The fight, due to take place in Cardiff’s Principality stadium in the Spring of 2018, will see the IBF, WBA ‘Super’ and WBO belts unified by the victor, which Higgins claims will be his man.
“I’m predicting Parker in the late rounds when Joshua starts to tire and gas” Higgins said.
