Joseph Parker: WBO title is my destiny

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker during a training session ahead of his WBO title fight next week. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker believes winning the WBO belt is his destiny.

In a column for Fairfax media, Parker said he was following the prophecy of his late grandfather, who told Parker he would not lose a fight - all the way to a world title.

"It's a blessing I've thought about every time I've fought and he was right - here I am 21 fights later, unbeaten, and about to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world," Parker said.

"The way this opportunity has evolved, to have the fight in New Zealand, it just adds to that feeling that this is something that's meant to happen."

Parker said he will rest today, on his day off, go to church and spend time with family before the biggest week of his career.

"Then it's back into the media rounds and keeping my training ticking over. Friday is weigh-in and a day when we have a family prayer.

"Then it will be time to walk into the arena. I stood in the middle of Vector Arena the other day and I looked around, I absorbed the space and the volume of the place. I imagined it with 10,000 fans packed in. It's going to be amazing. Having the support of everyone there is going to lift me and give me an extra boost.

"I'm ready to fulfil my destiny. I'm ready to fulfil my grandfather's prophecy."