YOU’RE GETTING THIS, JOE
Whyte: I’ll be first to KO Parker
DILLIAN WHYTE believes he can go one step further than Anthony Joshua – and knock out Joseph Parker.
The Brixton-based heavyweight takes on New Zealander Parker at London’s O2 on Saturday.
Parker lost his WBO title to Joshua in March when he was outpointed by the British star, but he did not hit the deck in their drab Cardiff showdown.
The Kiwi has never been on the canvas in his 25 professional fights and claims never to have done so even when sparring.
But Whyte, who was knocked out by Joshua in 2015, has vowed to put Parker down if it becomes a brawl.
He said: “It’s a good fight, he’s never been down, he’s only lost once against AJ, but I can knock anyone out.
“If he comes to run, then it might be hard, but if he comes to fight, he goes to sleep. He may look to just go 12 rounds again and play it safe, we’ll see. I have the skills and capability to do what AJ couldn’t – and to KO him.”
Both Whyte and Parker are hoping a win on Saturday could put them in contention for a rematch with Joshua next year.
The WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion faces Alexander Povetkin next at Wembley on September 22.
His team are also holding talks to face WBC title holder Deontay Wilder at the national stadium on April 13.
But no deal has been struck yet, which could open the door for Saturday’s winner to stake a claim to fill that date.
Whyte added: “He’s motivated, he knows beating me gets him close to another shot at AJ, so that’s what makes him dangerous.
“But I’m hungry and when I fight, I want to hurt these men. I want guys to go home after losing to me and be thinking about me in September after I’ve beat you up in July.
“I’ve seen everything he’s going to bring and I will take everything he’s got and strategically break him down and chop him to bits.”