Money comes in for Joseph Parker to upset Joshua

IBF, IBO, WBO & WBA heavyweight titles
Sky Box Office, 10.30pm approx Saturday

Punters are starting to warm to the idea that there might be a shock in Cardiff on Saturday, with money coming in for underdog Joseph Parker to dethrone Anthony Joshua in their world heavyweight title unification clash.

The New Zealander was a 13-2 shot last week but he is now no better than 9-2, with many firms going just 4-1.

Betway’s Alan Alger said: "All the pre-fight interest has been with Parker, with big-hitters seemingly wary of lumping on Joshua at long odds-on".

Parker has looked cool and composed during fight week, and his attitude has obviously impressed viewers in the many hours of coverage Sky Sports has dedicated to the build-up of the fight.

"Many punters believe Parker is overpriced to cause an upset against Joshua," said John Hill of Coral, who quote 7-1 that the New Zealander wins by knockout.

Ladbrokes claim 66 per cent of all bets placed with them so far have been on Parker, and if he wins it could cost UK bookmakers £2m.

The firm's Alex Apati said: "We're hours away from the biggest fight of the year and while AJ is the red-hot favourite, Parker is incredibly popular."

However, Joshua is still a firm 1-5 favourite and is 2-5 to win by KO.

Don't miss our big fight preview in Saturday's Racing Post and on racingpost.com/sport from 8pm Friday.

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