By Ryan Burton

IBF #1 rated heavyweight Joseph Parker (19-0) will fight for the 20th time in the pro ranks when he faces Solomon Haumono (24-2-2) on July 21st in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

The 24-year-old secured his mandatory position with an unanimous decision victory over Carlos Takam in May. 

As the New Zealander has climbed the ratings of the IBF, his name has been mentioned with more frequency with the organization's champion Anthony Joshua (17-0) who captured gold at the 2012 Olympics.

Parker believes the two young fighters have a lot in common.

"I believe that Anthony Joshua is a young, great fighter. He is a world champion for a reason. He trains hard and puts in the work. I believe he was on the same sort of path of what we are doing - fighting often - and slowly climbing. With every fight I have now I have to be ready and train hard to maintain what I have. Like I said that would be an exciting fight if it does happen and I am looking forward to it," Parker told BoxingScene.com.

Joshua won the title in April when he steamrolled Charles Martin in two rounds at the O2 Arena in London.

He defended his title for the first time in June when he dominated Dominic Breazeale in a fight that Parker paid close attention to.

"I saw the fight and I was watching closely and I believe there are a lot of things he does good and also a lot of things that he doesn't do as good and I believe that is the same as me. Breazeale didn't present a lot of danger. I look forward to when I fight him because I know I bring a lot and it will be a great fight," said Parker.

The IBF recently announced that the Joshua-Parker fight must take place by January 9th, 2017. Parker, who has fought all over the world in countries such as his native New Zealand, Samoa, and the United States, says he has no problem packing his bags for the UK and that he is willing to face Joshua in his next fight after Haumono.

"I would like to fight whenever they want, as soon as we set a date. I know it will probably be in the UK. Just make the date and let's make it happen. It will be exciting," Parker stated.

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