12 Jun 2015

Parker knows what's needed to be world champ

12:00 pm on 12 June 2015

New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker says while he's not at world championship level yet, he's confident he now knows what he needs to get there.

Parker has recently spent time training with world champion Wladimir Klitschko in Miami.

The 23-year-old, who's unbeaten after 13 fights, returns to the ring this weekend in Palmerston North for his 14th professional bout to fight German champion Yakup Saglam who has 31 knockouts in winning 34 of his 38 fights .

Parker says seven sparring sesssions with Klitschko have given him plenty of confidence.

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker fights American Brian Minto in Manukau.

Joseph Parker (right) has spent time training with world champion Wladimir Klitschko Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"I got in there a bit nervous. But once I got the hang of it and saw what the champ had, I felt 'this could be me one day.'

"I'm not too far off... I can get there if I keep focusing and taking the right steps," he said.

Parker admits he's wary of Saglam who comes with a reputation.

"He likes to throw big bombs and is sometimes a little bit dirty so I have to look after that as I have other fights planned for the year, but Kevin (Barry, his trainer) and I have been working on a style that will work against this fighter."

Joseph Parker signs autographs for fans at the Naenae Boxing Academy in Lower Hutt.

Joseph Parker signs autographs for fans at the Naenae Boxing Academy in Lower Hutt. Photo: RNZ/Stephen Hewson