Anthony Joshua shows his class with message to Joseph Parker’s mum

Anthony Joshua has continued to uphold his respectful reputation.

In spite of the harsh criticism and outrageous allegations levelled at Joshua by upcoming opponent Joseph Parker and his promoter, 'AJ' has remained a class act and refused to be drawn into a war of words with the Kiwi. Joshua will face his sternest test yet when he aims to wrest the WBO heavyweight title away from Parker in the March 31 unification bout in Cardiff and while we can likely expect plenty of trash talk from the undefeated New Zealander, it's still just not Joshua's style. After the pair faced off for the first time at Tuesday's press conference, Joshua admirably reached out and shook his rival's hand. https://twitter.com/JOE_co_uk/status/953402256443019265 Most of the tense exchanges took place between the respective promoters, Eddie Hearn and David Higgins, with Joshua proving his class by issuing a message to Parker's mum. "I'll put Parker in my prayers that he leaves the ring in good health, and he goes back to New Zealand and his family in good health, so that's the least I can do for his family," Joshua said. "A mother's love is unconditional so I respect that. Tell his mum not to worry – I hope he leaves the ring in safe condition." Parker's mother, Sala, was reportedly very concerned for her son's well-being when she first saw the imposing physique of Joshua. But Parker has also reassured his mum that she has nothing to worry about, although we'd imagine she'll still be watching the heavyweight showdown through her fingers. "I gave her a message today and I said 'just don't worry about anything it's all going to be alright," he said.