Dillian Whyte vs Joseph Parker confirmed for the O2 in July

Both fighters have just one defeat on their records, against world champion Anthony Joshua

Thursday 07 June 2018 09:55 BST
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Whyte will face Parker at the O2 in July
Whyte will face Parker at the O2 in July (Getty)

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Dillian Whyte will face Joseph Parker in a heavyweight clash at the O2 Arena in London on July 28, it has been announced.

Both fighters have just one defeat on their records, against world champion Anthony Joshua. Whyte lost to his British rival in a seventh-round stoppage in December 2015, while New Zealander Parker's WBO reign was ended by a points loss to Joshua in a unification clash in March.

Whyte, who is plotting his way towards a world title shot against unbeaten WBC champ Deontay Wilder, is promising to do what Joshua couldn't and knock Parker out.

"There's going to be blood, pain and a knockout. I'm bang up for this," he said upon the announcement.

"He's a good fighter but he didn't show much courage against Joshua, hopefully he'll be a bit more adventurous and come to have a fight against me.

"I like challenges and I rise to them, this is a big fight and I'll be training very hard as always. There's a massive incentive there to try and stop him.

"We're back at The O2, it's always a great atmosphere inside the arena and I'll be looking to get a similar result to my last fight there."

Defeat to Joshua was the only blemish on Parker's record and after taking the Brit the full distance is promising another entertaining fight next month.

"We've both been in with AJ. One of us ended the fight on our feet, the other didn't. That pretty much speaks for itself," he added.

"I'm really looking forward to fighting Dillian. He's got a big mouth and says some funny things - and he's also highly entertaining in the ring. It'll be an incredible fight. There's no doubt about that.

"I'm really happy with how things have things have worked out. I know it took a lot of hard work from my team to get this over the line."

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