Anthony Joshua on fighting Joseph Parker - It's not a matter of if, but when

IBF champion Anthony Joshua has said stepping into the ring with Kiwi boxing sensation Joseph Parker is not a matter of if, but when. Photo / AP

Make no mistake, New Zealand's WBO champion Joseph Parker will step into the ring with Britain's IBF world heavyweight Anthony Joshua - you can put your house on it.

The Brit told Newshub from Wembley - the venue for his next fight - that meeting Parker in the ring is not a matter of if, but when.

"I was supposed to fight him (Parker) but he went to fight Andy Ruiz for the WBO belt," Joshua said.

Now, Joshua will have to deal with Wladmiir Klitschko first on April 29 but says Parker is the next in line.

"Once I get past Klitschko, then I can start focusing on guys like Wilder and Parker for sure. These fights have to happen.

"It's not if I fight him, it's just when. That's what it's more about. I'll definitely fight him."

And, unlike some within the boxing world in the past week, Joshua praised Parker as a fighter and offered up a message to Kiwi fans.

"You've got a great champion in Parker and when we come together, there's going to be fireworks."