'I'm the underdog' - Joseph Parker

Just four days out from his WBO world title fight, Kiwi boxing sensation Joseph Parker has echoed the sentiments of his trainer Kevin Barry, saying his opponent, Andy Ruiz, is the firm favourite.

Barry admitted to the Herald last month that Ruiz had the edge over his young prodigy, and that he shouldn't be underestimated - with hand speed and toughness that cannot be matched.

Parker agreed, telling the Radio Sport Breakfast that everything Barry says about Ruiz is correct.

"If you look at his record, and the experience he's had, and the number of year's he's been a professional, he should be the favourite to win," Parker said.

However, Parker still believes he has an edge over the Mexican-American fighter, and it's not just hometown advantage.

His fight with Carlos Takam earlier this year was one of the toughest of his career to date and he thinks it's something Ruiz hasn't had to go through.

"I feel like that fight is going to be very important for me going into this fight," Parker said.

"I went into a dark place in that fight.

"To come out of that dark place was very important. Now I know, I can do it again for any other fight.

"I'm not sure he's been in the same place, or he's had a hard fight like that."

Despite having a world title on the line, the pair haven't exactly played to the boxing cliche over the past month.

Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz in Las Vegas. Photo / Twitter

Their press conferences have been tame and friendly - a stark contrast to the trash-talking boxing is notorious for - and they've been taking pictures together like they're best pals.

But Parker thinks that's how it should be.

"It's about showing your class and being respectful outside of the ring," he said.

"But we both know when we get in the ring, it's time to let our hands go and time to try and knock each other out.

"I think that's how boxing should be taken around the world."