By Ryan Burton

Unbeaten heavyweight contender Joseph Parker (19-0) is ready to follow up on his career best May 21st unanimous decision victory over Carlos Takam. This Thursday, July 21st he will return to the ring when he faces Solomon Haumono (24-2-2) at the Horncastle Arena in Christchurch.

Takam is by far the best opponent on the 24-year-old Parker's resume.  The fight was also the first time the New Zealander went the full 12 round distance.  That experience will be invaluable as Parker continues to increase his competition level.

"Takam was a very strong fighter and came prepared and ready. He wanted what I wanted so it was a tough fight. I learned a lot from that fight. Going 12 rounds is a great thing knowing that you can go the 12 rounds. I am very grateful to get that under my belt and I am looking forward to this fight and what it is going to bring," said Parker.

With the victory over Takam, Parker became the IBF's mandatory challenger to champion Anthony Joshua. Parker's name has been linked to the 2012 Olympic gold medal winner for several months, even before securing the mandatory position.

Parker is taking this fight very serious as he is fully aware that a loss to the ex NRL player would derail his title aspirations.

"A lot of people are talking about (the Joshua fight) but I think you have to take it one fight at a time. You can't look past anyone because the one you look past is the one who gets you. My full focus is on Huamono at this time but I know in the back of my mind there is Anthony Joshua down the line," Parker told BoxingScene.com. 

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