By Ryan Burton
An article recently ran on BoxingScene.com in which former heavyweight title challenger Dillian Whyte(23-1) said that he hopes Joseph Parker (24-1) "leaves his running shoes at home and stands and fights."
The two men will face each other on July 28th at the O2 Arena in the United Kingdom. Whyte's promoter Matchroom Boxing will put on the event.
Parker isn't known as being a runner and believes that Whyte is trying to lure him into a brawl.
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The 26-year-old said that he is confident that he can beat Whyte using any style that he chooses but hints that he may go back to his agressive style from earlier in his career.
"He is trying to lure me in. That is his style of fighting, standing in the pocket and throwing big punches. I think the plan with my coach we will box smart and when it is time to go to war we will go to war. We are not scared of anyone. I think the last fight we were fighting a smart fight but I think we have to get the mongrel and ruthless back," Parker told BoxingScene.com.
In 2016 Whyte engaged in a Fight of the Year against Dereck Chisora. The two UK based fighters stood their ground and traded for most of the fight.
If the fight turns into that type of war, which Whyte wants, Parker believes that he will still come out on top.
"I back myself whatever fight I fight. Whether it is the outside or inside. If I fought like Chisora did I believe I knock him out," said Parker. "They stood right there and threw punches. Off that fight you could pick up things he did often and you can pick up things that will help with our game plan."
Parker last fought in March when he lost a unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in a unification fight. Whyte was in action a few weeks earlier when he stopped the previously unbeaten Lucas Browne via a highlight reel knockout.
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