Whyte says he’s ready for anything
WELLINGTON: British fighter Dillian Whyte says Joseph Parker should put his fists where his mouth is before their heavyweight bout in London this weekend.
Parker is on the comeback trail following the New Zealander’s first professional loss to Anthony Joshua in March, while Whyte is also trying to return to the top of boxing following his loss to Joshua three years ago.
Parker has one more win than Whyte in their professional careers (25 to 24) but the Brit told Sky Sport UK he will prove who’s best.
‘‘He feels he’s faster than me. He thinks he’s a better boxer than me so, hopefully, he comes and fights me to try and show that.
‘‘Hopefully, he doesn’t be negative and doesn’t start running around the ring but it is boxing so he might believe that’s his key to victory. Let’s see what happens,’’ Whyte said.
On paper Parker also holds the advantage in knockouts. Of his 25 wins, 18 have been by KO while Whyte has 17.
However, Whyte has the distinction of being the only boxer other than Wladimir Klitschko to send Anthony Joshua to the deck which he did their fight in 2015.
Whyte expects Parker will want to brawl but the 30yearold said that would not be up to Parker.
‘‘It takes two to tango as they say.
‘‘If it’s a points victory it’ll be a points victory but I’m prepared for it to go war for 12 rounds, or just two, whatever. I’m ready, for whatever he wants to come with.’’
Whyte acknowledged Parker’s skills as a boxer but the man known as The Body Snatcher said he was better.
‘‘He’s got like three times the amount of experience, he’s a good boxer, tough, got speed and boxing skills. It’ll be interesting to see [what he brings].
‘‘I know what I bring. I know what I’m capable of. I know how to train so whatever he brings, it’s my job to break it down and do what I’ve got to do,’’ Whyte said.
Parker meanwhile said he was taking little notice of Whyte’s comments.
‘‘If it had to come down to talking, obviously Dillian Whyte would get the gold medal. I would get the bronze medal, I wouldn’t even get silver.
‘‘In the ring, that’s where all the business is taking care of, we’re fighting with our fists. A lot of fighters say they are confident and all that. I truly feel I’m confident because I put in all the work.
‘‘I have a great team and I’ve done everything right. Whatever the result, let it happen,’’ Parker said. — RNZ