'He's just like me' - Joseph Parker heaps praise on Anthony Joshua

Joseph Parker is set to fight Anthony Joshua next year. Photo / Getty

Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker has avoided the cliche trash-talk saying he and Anthony Joshua are alike and he has nothing but respect for the current IBF champion.

Speaking to the Crowd Goes Wild Breakfast on Radio Sport, Parker said his British counterpart is the champion for a reason and he can't wait to finally meet him in the ring.

"He's just like me. He works hard, he's put in the work and he's got a great team behind him," Parker said.

"He seems like a nice guy and I have a lot of respect for him."

Despite preparations for his next fight against Australian veteran Solomon Haumomo well underway, Parker knows the true goal lies just months away.

"It's right here and I cant afford to make a mistake now," Parker said. "It's the goal for me to become world champion one day."

"I'm just waiting for my opportunity to fly over there and show them what I've got."

For now, however, Parker faces an opponent that many see as an easy win.

Solomon Haumomo, who has 21 knockouts in 24 wins, will meet Parker in Christchurch next Thursday and although the money is on Parker, the Kiwi knows he needs to defend his ground.

"Everyone who comes into the fight now wants what I have," Parker said. "They want the mandatory position for the IBF world title."

"What he brings is the challenge of a lot of power. When he throws those big bombs, he throws them with bad intentions."

Parker is scheduled to take on Joshua between December and late-January.