A Terrible Rematch? Joseph Parker vs. Anthony Joshua Could Overwhelm the Boxing World, Betting Money Predicted to Hit a New Record

The boxing world is buzzing with speculation over a potential rematch between Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua, a fight that could bring mixed reactions, overwhelming curiosity, and massive betting action. Their first clash in 2018 was a strategic chess match, but many critics labeled it disappointing due to the lack of explosive moments.

Now, with both fighters on new career trajectories, a second meeting could be a redemption bout or a colossal letdown. But one thing is certain—the betting world is already preparing for a historic payday.

A Look Back: Their First Encounter in 2018

When Anthony Joshua (AJ) and Joseph Parker first met on March 31, 2018, it was a high-stakes unification bout for the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.

Why Was It Considered a “Terrible” Fight?

• No Knockdowns: Unlike most heavyweight battles, this fight lacked knockdowns or dramatic exchanges.

• Cautious Approach: Both men fought carefully, respecting each other’s power but failing to deliver fireworks.

• Controversial Referee Interventions: The referee repeatedly broke up clinches and limited inside fighting, frustrating fans and Parker himself.

Result: Joshua won by unanimous decision, but many fans felt underwhelmed. The fight didn’t match the hype, and some critics even called it one of Joshua’s most forgettable victories.

Now, the question is—can the rematch fix the mistakes of the past?

Why This Rematch Could Be Completely Different

While their first fight lacked drama, the current version of Joshua and Parker is far from what they were in 2018.

1. Joseph Parker’s Career Revival

Parker was once dismissed as a passive fighter, but his recent performances have been aggressive, calculated, and dangerous.

• Back-to-back wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang proved he’s a serious threat.

• Improved Power and Pressure Fighting—Parker no longer relies solely on defense.

• Confidence is at an all-time high after silencing doubters in 2024.

2. Anthony Joshua’s New Approach

Since his losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua has evolved:

• Adopted a more measured, tactical style under new trainers.

• Focused on defense and endurance, rather than just power punching.

• Coming off a KO victory over Francis Ngannou, which restored some of his lost reputation.

Both men have changed dramatically, setting the stage for a rematch that could be far more thrilling than their first encounter.

Overwhelming Betting Surge—Could This Fight Break Records?

One of the biggest talking points surrounding this rematch isn’t just the fight itself—it’s the staggering betting figures being predicted.

Why Could Betting Break New Records?

1. Unpredictability—Unlike 2018, where Joshua was the clear favorite, Parker’s recent performances make this an uncertain matchup.

2. Joshua’s Fan Base—As one of boxing’s biggest draws, any Joshua fight brings a surge of betting action.

3. Parker’s Underdog Appeal—Many bettors love the idea of Parker pulling off an upset, increasing wagers on his side.

4. Rematch Narrative—Fans who lost money in the first fight may want to double down or seek revenge bets.

Projected Betting Figures

• The first fight generated tens of millions in wagers, but the rematch is expected to shatter those numbers.

• Industry insiders believe this bout could see betting figures surpass those of Joshua vs. Ngannou, which already saw record-breaking bets.

Could this be the biggest betting event in boxing for 2024-2025? The odds suggest it’s very possible.

Will This Fight Deliver or Disappoint Again?

1. Best-Case Scenario—An Explosive War

If both men fight aggressively, this could be a potential Fight of the Year candidate.

• Parker’s pressure style vs. Joshua’s counterattacking power could lead to a thrilling exchange.

• Both have something to prove, meaning there’s less risk of a boring, tactical match.

2. Worst-Case Scenario—Another Cautious Affair

Despite their improvements, both men could still play it safe, leading to

• A technical, slow-paced battle that frustrates fans.

• A fight dominated by jabs and clinches, rather than knockdowns.

• A replay of 2018, where Joshua controls from a distance and wins on the scorecards.

3. The Most Likely Outcome?

Many analysts believe this fight will start slow but heat up in the later rounds.

• Parker knows he can’t let Joshua dictate the pace, so expect more risks from him.

• Joshua is looking to prove he’s still elite, so he may try to secure a knockout instead of settling for a decision.

This rematch won’t be a guaranteed classic, but it has far more potential than their first encounter.

Conclusion: A Fight That Could Define Both Men’s Careers

Whether this fight turns into a legendary showdown or another disappointment, its significance cannot be ignored.

• If Joshua wins convincingly, he puts himself back in the undisputed heavyweight title conversation.

• If Parker wins, he cements himself as a true world champion contender, possibly even forcing a title fight.

• For fans and bettors, this rematch will be must-watch TV, as it carries both high-stakes boxing drama and a historic betting surge.

Will Parker get revenge, or will Joshua prove he’s still the superior fighter? One thing is certain—the boxing world will be watching closely.