Tuesday 10 July 2018 11:04, UK
Joseph Parker believes victory over Dillian Whyte will allow him to regain a world heavyweight title after Anthony Joshua ended his reign as WBO champion.
The New Zealander faces Whyte on July 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office, just a few months after his unbeaten record was ended by a points defeat to Joshua, who now holds the WBA, IBF and WBO belts.
But Parker hopes to be propelled back into title contention if he defeats the highly ranked Whyte.
"Whoever wins this is going to be cemented at the top, to be challenging for world titles, so it's a very important fight," Parker told Sky Sports.
"This is one of the shortest training camps I'm going to have, but I feel like I'm going to enter camp in good shape."
Negotiations for the fight were completed within only a few days and Parker believes he shares the same appetite for battle as Whyte.
We don't avoid any opponents. We fight the best
"Credit to my promoter and Eddie Hearn for getting this deal done in 48 hours, and credit to Dillian Whyte for accepting it straight away,' said the 26-year-old.
"When you have a young fighter who wants to be champion fight another one who wants to be champion, we don't avoid any opponents. We fight the best."
Parker's promoter David Higgins appeared to be on good terms with Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn following lively exchanges before the Joshua fight and the Kiwi expects another entertaining few weeks.
"They are getting along well now, but there will be a few things that will pop up that will change that," he laughed.
