Joseph Parker says Anthony Joshua was smaller than expected

Anthony Joshua will fight Joseph Parker at Cardiff Principality Stadium on March 31. Photo / Getty

Kiwi heavyweight champion Joseph Parker said his opponent Anthony Joshua didn't quite size-up to his expectations.

In preparation for the biggest fight of his professional career, Parker finally got a closer look at his British opponent when they squared off at the press conference to announce the bout.

Standing at 1.93cm, Parker gives 5cm away to Joshua, but revealed to boxingscene.com that the Englishman was actually smaller than he expected.

"I could see confidence in his eyes, which you expect but also honestly, he's not as big as I thought he was," he said.

Jospeh Parker got a closer look at his British opponent at the recent press conference. Photo / Getty

Despite a lot of talk over Joshua's "glass chin," Parker accepted that he hasn't faced a puncher as big as Joshua, but has remained confident in his abilities.

"That's true to some extent but don't forget I have sparred with Klitschko and he can punch," Parker said.

"One of the advantages of making a great purse for this fight is that no expense will be spared in our preparation, we are now in a position where we can bring in A-Plus sparring partners that we feel will replicate Joshua's size, his style and his power. We'll be leaving no stone unturned."

"I do think many of his fans have written me off but there are also a substantial number of his fans that believe this will be a good fight and are excited to see it happening."

"I just want to put on a great show for them and for my fans as well. For me I use the doubters as motivation."

Parker will face Joshua at Cardiff Principality Stadium on March 31.