By Brad Lewis
Joseph Parker isn't looking past Alexander Dimitrenko as his bid to be the heavyweight champion of the world takes another step forward on Saturday night.
Speculation of a world title shot in November are the last thing on the Kiwi boxer's mind, the only thing that matters is the challenge in front of him.
"There is one person in front of me and that's (Alexander) Dimitrenko," said Parker at the weigh-ins in Auckland on Friday.
"If I can’t get past him (Dimitrenko) then why am I thinking about the future?"
"He's ready, I'm ready. Let's get it on."
Both fighters looked to be in fighting shape with the Ukrainian giant tipping the scales at 115.15kgs.
Parker weighed in at 109kgs.
Dimitrenko is taking the opportunity to derail Parker's title ambitions very seriously and is coming off a great training camp in Croatia.
"I feel good. I have prepared myself very good," he said.
"I am ready to give my best, I am ready to die in the ring.
"You will see everything on Saturday."
The 24-year-old Aucklander is keen to show off some new skills against Dimitrenko as he moves closer to a date with destiny against IBF heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua.
"Kevin has showed me a few new things that I'm going to use, so yeah like I said before, let's get it on."
If Parker is victorious, confirmation of his next fight will come early next week when Joshua's camp announces an opponent for his November title defense.
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