Boxing: Parker preparing for toughest test

Joseph Parker believes he's in the best shape of his life ahead of a bout with Kali Meehan. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Joseph Parker says he's in the best shape of his life as he prepares for his fight against veteran boxer Kali Meehan next week.

23-year-old Parker, who has an unbeaten record of 15 fights with 13 knockouts, is set to face an opponent with a superior reach, something he has rarely come up against. And when it comes to reach, Meehan has a 13 cm advantage.

"Kali fought three world champions, he's very experienced, he's been in 12 rounds a bunch of times, so I think this fight is the most prepared Joseph you'll ever see," he said.

"He's definitely well prepared and we've both gotten a long time to prepare for this fight so I've prepared as best I can to keep my unbeaten record, to try and get another victory."

Meanwhile, Meehan had a lot to say in the run up to the fight, claiming that his son and sparring partner Willis Meehan - who is fighting on the undercard - had a harder punch than Parker.

He also claimed it would be the unbeaten young boxer's "first big fight".

"You know, he has his opinion," Parker said in response. "I believe that every fight we've had is a big fight and every fight we've had is a fight where I've learned a lot of things in the ring, I learn about myself and it's sort of pushed me to know where I can go."

However, it is likely to be a big fight for Parker due to Meehan's advantages when it comes to height, reach and experience. But Parker said he was well prepared for the challenge, thanks to his sparring partner, Polish-born Nigerian Izu Ugonoh.

"[Ugonoh] helped us prepare for it pretty well," said trainer Kevin Barry. "He's got an 84inch reach and I think his punches come a little bit faster than Kali's."

The fight had come at the right time for Parker, who had returned to New Zealand in his best possible condition with no injuries or health issues, Barry said.

"Kali's a big, strong, very experienced guy and the respect we have for Kali is one of the reasons why we've prepared so well for this fight.

"We will get the best that Kali has to offer and that's what we expect and that's what we prepare for."

Despite the challenges Meehan presented, Barry said he was confident in Parker's ability.

"We have huge confidence in our camp. Confidence comes with preparation and we prepare very very well, each and every time we sign to fight anyone.

"This is payday for them, for all the hard work they do in camp, training three times a day for seven weeks."

While Parker joked that the biggest challenge on the night would be "picking what I have for dinner", he said the most important thing leading up the fight would be staying healthy, focused and well rested.

And despite everything that's been said, he's keen to make friends with his opponent - after the fight of course.

"My message would be, let's have a great fight, let's let the hands do the talking and let's be friends later."