By Edward Chaykovsky
Top rated heavyweight contender Joseph Parker (21-0, 18KOs) is feeling very confident on what he can do in the ring against Andy Ruiz (29-0, 19kOs).
As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Parker and his promoter Duco Events are in talks with Bob Arum of Top Rank to stage a fight with Ruiz on December 10th in New Zealand.
The two sides very close to agreement with the date being the only obstacle - because the date of December 10 is the same date which Ruiz's new coach, Abel Sanchez, will be working with middleweight king Gennady Golovkin in New York. Because of that, Arum wants a date in January, but that doesn't work for Duco Events.
The fight is also dependant on Tyson Fury being stripped of the WBO heavyweight crown, and that hasn't happened yet. Parker and Ruiz are the highest rated contenders and would battle it out for the vacant belt if Fury gets stripped.
Parker recently discussed his sparring session with Ruiz from a few years ago and reflected on how strong Ruiz was. He said a huge shot from Ruiz rattled his jaw and left him unable to properly eat for three days.
He knows what's in front of him and Parker is very confident in his ability to pull off the win.
"If we bring it down here I know I'll be champion. Ruiz is a fighter who likes to come forward and put on pressure. I'm excited of the opportunity to fight him," Parker said to reporters at a press event to discuss the fight.
"I know he's got a lot of power and he's got a lot of experience but I know if I have a great training camp I'll beat anyone in the world."
Arum believes Ruiz's fast hands will play a key role in the contest.
"Parker is strong, he has a nice chin, but he is slow, he's not a fast heavyweight," Arum said to Radio Live. "Andy, who looks slow, is a really fast heavyweight ... he has the fastest hands in the division and a lot of power. It could go either way. It will be a very exciting contest and the contrasting styles will make it a great fight to watch."
