Joesph Parker

Anthony Joshua has fired back in the war of words with Joseph Parker, claiming the Kiwi star is trying to "demonise" his reputation in order to secure a heavyweight unification bout.

While negotiations for a blockbuster clash have been ongoing for several weeks, Parker's camp have launched an aggressive public campaign to lure Joshua into the ring.

Last month, they released footage of Joshua, the IBF, WBA and IBO champion, being knocked down at various stages of his career and offered any 'AJ' fan $39,000 to provide video evidence of Parker being dropped.

Looking sharp in a suit and tie as he sat in front of a large gathering of international media in a plush function room at the famous Old Trafford football ground, Parker kept it short and to the point, just like he wants his fight to be.

"What can I say, all the talk's been done. It's time to get in the ring and do my thing," the 25-year-old said when asked for his final thoughts on the fight.
"I feel ready, prepared ... I feel powerful.

"He wants to knock me out, I want to knock him out.

Parker defends his title against Fury in the UK city of Manchester on September 23.

A war of words has been simmering in the buildup to a fight that has had plenty of ill-feeling to it after Fury failed to front for the original clash in Auckland in May, citing a back injury.

Parker has questioned Fury's Spartan-styled training camp and claimed he saw fear in the lanky Brit's eyes when they finally met at a promotion in Manchester in July.

Taking his belt on the road to make his British debut hasn't dissuaded the men who set the odds.

The New Zealand TAB has Parker a firm favourite in head-to-head betting, offering $1.65 for the win.

They have placed Fury at $2.15 to win in his own back yard.

It's a similar line in Britain, where Ladbrokes has Parker at $1.67 and Fury at $2.20 with the draw at $21.

William Hill sees it slightly closer, offering $1.80 for Parker and $2 for Fury with the draw at $23.

Joseph Parker's handlers will resist the temptation to have him involved in the Manny Pacquiao extravaganza in Australia in April.

Duco Events have been given the green light by Pacquiao's boss Bob Arum to nail down the finances for a late April fight for the WBO welterweight title against rising Australian Jeff Horn.

Duco promote Horn and Parker, the stars in their trans-Tasman stable.

Parker is looking to April for the first defence of his WBO heavyweight title.

Wilder has spoken previously about his appetite to fight the 25-year-old Kiwi, but it now appears he is in a hurry to get it done.

Wilder returns to action on February 25, defending his title against Poland's Andrezj Wawrzyk in Alabama. It's his first fight since breaking a hand in a successful defence against American Chris Arreola in July.

Parker fights Mexico's Andy Ruiz in Auckland tonight for one of the most coveted belts in the world, one of the top four in the glamour division.

A win would launch Parker to international stardom and Samoa are ready to cash in.

The 24-year-old takes on American-Mexican boxer Andy Ruiz Jr for the vacant World Boxing Organisation heavyweight title at Vector Arena in Auckland.

It is the first time a major world title fight has happened in New Zealand - Jimmy Peau fought British boxer Johnny Nelson for the WBF World Heavyweight Title in Auckland in 1993 but the WBF isn't considered a major boxing organisation.

Whichever fighter wins tonight's match will become the first man from their country to win a world heavyweight title.

In a sponsorship deal reported to cost USD$100K, the islands of Samoa will be featured to a worldwide audience, showing off its unique tourism offering as well as provide a taste of what’s offer for international investors.

Samoa’s majestic land and seascapes, white sand beaches, lush forests and rich culture will be showcased during the fight, with a special role for the Prime Minister, The Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi who will be present to introduce the main event.

There will also be a ceremonial introduction prior to the national anthems being performed.

The 24-year-old New Zealand Samoan Parker is unbeaten in 21 fights with 18 knockouts, while his opponent, Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr, has not lost in 29 pro bouts, including 19 knockouts.

Ruiz is coached by world renowned trainer Abel Sanchez, a man with 17 world champions to his name.

Barry himself is yet to train a world champion but he believes that'll change this weekend.

"When this fight was made, forget about being a coach, as a boxing fan, and the people I spoke to, said this fight is a great fight," he said.