Anthony Joshua is currently being primed to encounter a Haka from Joseph Parker’s team with just one night remaining before their fight, Sky Sports reports. According to the report, Parker, from New Zealand via Samoa, will be accompanied to the ring by his uncles who were appointed Samoan High Chiefs after being tattooed by a boar's tooth in the traditional manner.
It added that Joshua has been prepared not to be fazed if Parker's team performed a version of the Haka war dance, popularized by the All-Blacks rugby team, designed to intimidate opposition at Friday's weigh-in or on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office before their unification bout.
Speaking on how Joshua would react if the Haka war dance was performed, Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter told Sky Sports
"[Joshua] will want to watch, he loves that stuff. He embraces culture. Last time with Joshua, his music failed. He wasn't bothered. I asked how it affected him but he said 'nothing'."
Also speaking, Parker's uncle, Sua said;
"Every time we walk Joseph in, it is a symbol. He is a Samoan warrior and a New Zealand warrior, and we are proud of that. He always had a vision, and this is his vision. He is a world champion and we believe he will get all the belts. The tattoos are very important to our country. We try to protect him. We carry the weapon for him.
There will be singing and blessings for Joseph. Samoa is planning a Mass. The Samoans in New Zealand are doing a prayer meeting. Samoa is a small island and one of our sons getting to this stage in the world is a big thing, so everybody is praying. I believe our son will be superior."
