WBO heavyweight champion of the world Joseph Parker is upping the mental warfare with Anthony Joshua right off the bat since the fight was made official.

Mind games are always a part of big fights but in this match between Joshua and Parker, I suspect they’ll be utilised even more so due to team Parker’s tactics of wanting to get underneath the skin of the usually calm, composed and collected Anthony Joshua.

On a TV show last weekend Anthony Joshua spoke briefly on the Parker fight but when a picture of Parker was brought up on-screen, the TV presenter Graham Norton made fun of Parker’s weight and made reference to him possibly eating too many pies.

Well, Parker was watching as it happens and commented on social media in good spirit afterwards at the time.

Now however – he’s had a bit more to say about Joshua’s physique in return.

Speaking on New Zealand Herlald Radio Parker said:

”They call me the king of pies but I call him the king of steroids. Who knows – if you are that big and that musclely there’s something wrong.”

He added:

”I have heard word. I have looked at him and I have seen.”

No doubt these comments will cause quite the stir with team Joshua who have always maintained that their athlete is a clean fighter.

The bout is scheduled for March 31st at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. A minimum of 80,000 people are expected to attend live on the night.