Whyte and Parker set for July 28 bout

Heavyweights Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker will go head to head at London’s O2 Arena on July 28, it has been confirmed.

Whyte had called out Deontay Wilder after comfortably defeating Lucas Browne in March, but expectation of a bout between the American and Anthony Joshua continues to increase.

Parker, handed a maiden defeat by Joshua in March, is instead up next for Whyte, with the pair each looking for a big win to forge a route back into title contention.

“There’s going to be blood, pain and a knockout. I’m bang up for this,” said Whyte (23-1-0), who, like Parker, has only ever lost to Joshua.

“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.

CONFIRMED @DillianWhyte fights @joeboxerparker , July 28 @TheO2 ! #WhyteParker pic.twitter.com/g2XHECJNK9

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) June 7, 2018
“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.”

Former WBO title-holder Parker (24-1-0) added: “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.

“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.”