Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao has backed Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker, who nears the toughest fight of his growing career.

Parker (18-0, 16KOs) will fight Cameroonian-French boxer Carlos Takam in Auckland this weekend and this week Pacquiao, now a senator in the Phillopines, sent Parker a message of support on Twitter.

"Wishing @JoeBoxerParker the best of luck this Saturday in his heavyweight title elimination fight against @CarlosTakam," Pacquiao said.

The bout between Parker and Takam is an IBF eliminator match, with the winner getting a mandatory challenge against Englishman Anthony Joshua, who defends his title for the first time against unbeaten Dominic Breazeale on June 25th at the O2 Arena in London.

Pacquiao last fought in April, when he won a twelve round decision in his trilogy fight with Timothy Bradley.

Meanwhile Parker has faced up to Takam ahead of their fight and responded to Takam's words on Twitter that he is going to knock out the 24-year-old New Zealander.

"A lot of people talk themselves up to give themselves confidence," Parker said. " I like to do my talking in the ring with my fists."

Takam has been vocal on Twitter and even though he wouldn't say as much when face to face with Parker, he was still confident.

"I'm ready to win, my friend," Takam said.

He stood by his comment that he would knock Parker out and show him a real man.

"Yes," Takam said