The long-awaited moment has finally come, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, both huge names in the heavyweight sphere are going to make a return to the ring for the last time this year. This event brings forth the highly anticipated fight between the two. Though the fight is still far from being materialized, this event in Saudi Arabia sure promises to be an exciting build-up to the actual matchup between the two. But what about their opponents for the event?

Notably, AJ is going to fight Otto Wallin, meanwhile, Wilder is looking forward to facing Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker. Even though Parker is the underdog in the upcoming fight, things might not be so easy for the ‘Bronze Bomber’. After all, Parker has the support of none other than Tyson Fury as well as his coach Kristian Blacklock. Tyson Fury has done his part in advising Parker. Now it’s his trainer who is doing his part. With just hours left for the fight, this is what Blacklock had to say to the fighter.

The rivalry continues: Fury’s coach shares his support for Parker

The rivalry between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder is very well known in the boxing world. The two went toe-to-toe against one another three times and Fury emerged as the only fighter to defeat Wilder two times with a draw in their first bout. Interstingly, as Parker looks forward to fighting Wilder, Fury’s strength and conditioning coach also comes to share forward to show his support for him. Blacklock took to Instagram to share a picture of himself with Parker. In the caption, he wrote, “Massive good luck to my New Zealand brother @joeboxerparker tonight fighting @bronzebomber in Saudi. Bring the W and I’ll see you very soon pal 🥊🥊.”

Recently, Parker trained with the WBC heavyweight champion himself, as well as his coach Andy Lee. Thus it can be seen that Fury’s camp is backing Parker to defeat Wilder. It will be interesting to see if Parker will be able to defeat the heavy-hitter with the help he received from Fury.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the corner, Wilder is being slammed by Eddie Hearn for his recent comment on AJ’s mental state.

Eddie Hearn takes a jibe at Deontay Wilder

As the Day of Reckoning event looms, Deontay Wilder raises concerns about Anthony Joshua’s mental readiness for their upcoming bouts in Saudi Arabia. Wilder, gearing up to confront Parker, believes Joshua’s mindset might be faltering. Reflecting on a possible 2024 showdown with ‘AJ’, Wilder claimed that the ongoing negotiations seem to be weighing on Joshua.

In response, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, dismissed Wilder’s remarks. Speaking to Seconds Out, Hearn questioned Wilder’s credibility by highlighting his use of psychedelic substances, mentioning, “Didn’t he go to some retreat or something… Ayahuasca toad was it?” Furthermore, he added, “He was losing every round to the geezer who’s about 40, can’t even remember his name now, [Luis] Ortiz. Look at his resume, it’s awful. But, he can really punch. He can lose to anyone, but he can also beat anyone.”

Read More: Eddie Hearn Questions Deontay Wilder’s Boxing Résumé While Making Stern Comparison With Anthony Joshua: “Don’t Feel Like His Resume Is Anywhere…”

What do you think about the remarks from the boxing promoter? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

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