Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker has confirmed he will face Dillian 'The Bodysnatcher' Whyte in his "comeback" fight at London's O2 Arena on July 28.
The bout, which was predicted by Newshub on Thursday, is being billed as a "people's eliminator" for the two fighters, with the winner furthering his claim for a rematch with reigning WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO champion Anthony Joshua.
Parker lost his WBO belt to Joshua in his last outing in April - the only loss of his career so far - while Whyte's only loss has also been to his fellow Briton, who knocked him out in 2015.
Whyte has already fired a shot across Parker's bow, questioning his heart in his 12-round points loss to Joshua two months ago.
"There's going to be blood, pain and a knockout," Whyte said. "I'm bang up for this.
"Parker'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.
"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."
Parker has laughed off the barb.
"We've both been in with AJ," he said. "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 always entertaining in the ring.
"It'll be an incredible fight, there's no doubt about that."
Parker's Duco promoter, David Higgins, claimed the winner should be allowed another crack at Joshua as a mandatory challenger.
"Dillian's a good fighter who takes chances," said Higgins. "He's incredibly dangerous.
"Joseph will have to deal with a physical and verbal onslaught, but he's well and truly up for the challenge."
Newshub.
