12 Established 1961 Sports Wednesday, March 28, 2018 Wilder awaits, but Joshua has eyes only for Parker Parker stopped 18 opponents during an unbeaten 24-fight career

ISLEWORTH: heads into his bout ‘TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS’ against rival world heavyweight champion Joseph But he insisted that, after several hours of press Parker in Cardiff on Saturday with Deontay Wilder duties, he had to eat before heading off for another lying in wait-but the Briton insists he is not looking training session. “People thought I walked out on beyond this fight. the New Zealand press but that wasn’t the case, I Joshua is putting his International Boxing had to make a move and I was willing to return,” Federation and titles on the Joshua said. “Unless I take care or business, no one line against World Boxing is going to interview me.” Organisation champion Meanwhile Joshua said he Parker in front of an expect- was in the best shape of ed 78,000 sell-out crowd at his career after dethroning the Principality Stadium. Wladimir Klitschko in a It will be the first time two It’s 1,000 brutal battle and seeing off undefeated heavyweight Carlos Takam. “Every fight champions have met in a title percent one has been a learning fight fight in the United Kingdom, and every camp a learning with the British Olympic gold fight at a time camp,” he explained. “I medallist boasting a profes- learnt from the Klitschko sional record of 20 wins, fight I shouldn’t use camp including 20 knockouts, from to get fit. I took every- as many contests, while New thing I didn’t know then Zealander Parker has stopped 18 of his opponents into this camp. I’ve been working solely on my tech- inside the distance during an unbeaten 24-fight career. nique and ability. But next in line for the winner is Deontay Wilder, “Takam was game, he was a lot shorter, he was in the American who holds the ver- great shape. I wanted to control him. I knew there sion of the heavyweight title. “It’s 1,000 percent one would be a big 2018 on the horizon.” Parker, wearing a LONDON: Britain’s Anthony Joshua (2L) and New Zealand’s Joseph Parker (2R) attend a press conference in fight at a time,” Joshua told a news conference at the smart suit and glasses, was equally bullish about his London yesterday ahead of their world heavyweight title unification boxing bout with protmorers Eddie London headquarters of broadcaster Sky Sports. “My chances. Hearn (3L) and David Higgins (3R) and trainers Robert McCracken (L) and Kevin Barry (R)— AFP future stops on Saturday. One fight at a time. All this talk about Wilder. I’m looking at Parker, he’s a champi- ‘MY TIME’ on for a reason.” Joshua added: “He (Parker) is quick “It’s great to be here, we’ve had a great build-up team, family and country. “I’m going to beat AJ, I all the and I will see if I have been and he can take a punch but that is what I have heard, and a great camp. I can’t wait to put on a great dis- haven’t decided how I will win. These belts are mine.” dreaming or am proved right on Saturday night.” But so I am repeating what people are saying. “Let’s say play on March 31,” he said. “I’m taking those belts His trainer, Kevin Barry, said he was delighted to be Rob McCracken, Joshua’s trainer, countered by say- I’ve got £20 in my pocket, looking at myself I believe back to New Zealand. “Joshua is a great champion working with a fully-fit boxer following Parker’s history ing: “Being relaxed and comfortable preparing for Anthony Joshua knocks out Joseph Parker for sure.” and we respect him and what he’s achieved. We love of elbow trouble. “This has been the most enjoyable fights like this doesn’t do anything for what happens Joshua had been accused by Parker of showing dis- challenges. time we have spent together for the last eight years,” when you are in there facing Joshua. “You won’t respect to travelling New Zealand media by failing to “It’s my time, I’m young, sharp and am determined Barry said. know what’s happening when you get hit by Anthony grant them a separate interview slot last week. to win. I’m here to be part of history, doing it for my “I think he has the best skill, the fastest hands of Joshua.” — AFP

ONE Championship pushes into Thailand despite challenges

BANGKOK: As someone who has practiced Thai boxing (Muay Thai) for 30 years, Chatri Sityodtong knows very well the challenges he faces as he tries to bring his version of Mixed Martial Arts to the Southeast Asian nation. Chatri, who left a Wall Street career to start the ONE Championship in 2011, said the first major problem was a Thai misconception about the series born of televised western versions of cage fighting. “Thais have a misconception, they think ONE Championship is about MMA,” the ONE Championship chief executive, who has Thai and Japanese parentage, told Reuters in an interview. “MMA is what our western counterparts use to promote violence. Real martial arts is about KUWAIT: Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah attended the event on behalf of His Highness the Amir.— KUNA photos respect, humility and discipline.” Given the long history of martial arts in Thailand, the country should be a fruitful recruiting ground for fighters and audiences alike. Amir patronizes But getting Muay Thai boxers to take up MMA has been a challenge with the fighters reluctant to equestrian club learn new rules and techniques, especially around ground fighting, which does not feature in the local codes. festival finale Muay Thai fighter Thaweechai Chatarasuk underwent some MMA training before deciding to KUWAIT: Under the auspices of His stick to what he knew. “Muay Thai is better, you Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah can learn more from it,” he said. Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Hunting The chairman of the Kru Muay Thai and Equestrian Club held on Monday Association, Chinawut Sirisompan, says MMA has evening the finale of the 2017-18 Amiri good promotion and media but Thais prefer stand- equestrian sports festival cup. up striking techniques and are “bored” by ground Horse ‘Al-Mertejez” from Al-Asayel stable fighting. won the event. Deputy Minister of Amiri ONE Championship’s CEO is no stranger to Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Muay Thai, having trained with legendary Muay Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah attended the event on Thai coach, the late Master Yodtong Senanan, who behalf of His Highness the Amir. gave him the ringname, Chatri. Meanwhile, HH the Amir will attend and His familiarity with its old traditions and rituals patronize today the opening of Kuwait that pay homage to masters and respect for oppo- Motor City project at 10:30 am. — KUNA nents, is helping ONE Championship connect with Muay Thai fans and practitioners. The ONE Championship is seeing more Muay Thai athletes joining its kickboxing and MMA league, Chatri said. Muay Thai-to-MMA convert, Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, says it helps if Muay Thai fighters understand MMA rules, especially around ground fighting. “Muay Thai gives us an advan- tage in MMA,” he said. “Thais should keep an open mind and give MMA a chance.” Female ONE Championship athlete, Rika Ishige, said that if Thais took time to understand the rules, they would see it was not barbaric. “The thing that will bring (Muay Thai) further on in the future is MMA,” she said. Chatri’s vision is to build a sports property that will bring Asia together through martial arts and believes the rags-to-riches stories of its athletes can help. “Ninety five percent of our athletes come from incredible backgrounds of tragedy and poverty,” Chatri said. “Their spirit to overcome adversity represents authentic martial arts.” They are stories also famil- iar to fans of Muay Thai with those fighters typi- cally having impoverished beginnings in rural Thailand. —Reutersv