Joseph Parker eyes explosive fight with IBF champion Anthony Joshua
Wednesday 25 May 2016 07:15, UK
Joseph Parker has warned Anthony Joshua to get ready for "war" after earning a shot at the IBF heavyweight champion.
The New Zealander battled to a points win over Carlos Takam in Saturday's IBF final eliminator and plans to sharpen his ring skills with up to three more warm-up fights before he faces Joshua.
Joshua must first defend his IBF title against Dominic Breazeale at The O2 on June 25, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Parker hopes he stays on course for a potentially explosive showdown.
Parker told Sky Sports: "To challenge someone like Joshua who is also a strong and young fighter - it's going to be exciting, two young fighters who are at their peak, going for it. It's going to be a great war.
"I believe it will be a great fight. He brings power and good build and I bring speed and power. When the fight happens, everyone should tune in, because it's going to be an exciting fight. I believe it will be very exciting."
The unbeaten 24-year-old is already scheduled to fight Australian Solomon Haumono on July 21 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Parker admits he needs to eradicate the defensive errors he showed against Takam and is determined to be '100 per cent' ready for Joshua.
He said: "We practice a lot of defence in camp and when I came into the fight my hands were down and I was standing upright, with my chin up in the air.
I back myself 100 per cent with any fighter I jump in the ring with and I know I'll be ready.
"These are bad habits that came back into play, but I guess with every fight you're learning and getting better. I actually look forward to going back into camp and practicing and working on these things."
Asked if he will be well prepared for a first world title shot, Parker said: "I back myself 100 per cent with any fighter I jump in the ring with and I know I'll be ready.
"I'll do everything I can to be in the best shape I can be in."
A possible appearance on Joshua's undercard in November remains an option for Parker, who welcomed a verbal challenge from Dillian Whyte.
"Very interested in fighting in The O2. I actually look forward to being in the UK and displaying what we have," said Parker. "There has been great support for us, we get messages of support.
"We'll just sit down as a team and discuss the best options or the best opponents that we can have. Dillian Whyte, I saw his fight with Joshua, and I saw him calling me out. These things happen and it makes it more exciting."
