Joseph Parker

“At the beginning of my career, I can honestly say there were a few things I was doing wrong, and I was wondering why I was going a little bit off track.”

“Everyone doubted I could go 10 rounds because my fights have stopped early. But I knew I could because of the work I'd done in the gym.”

“If I win, great, and I'll move on, and that's my goal, obviously, is to win. If I do lose, I have to accept it, and I have to get back out there, train hard, and just move on. It's not the end of the world.”

“Things happen. You just have to accept it and move on. I get that from my dad. He's a real chilled character.”

“I want to fight the best Anthony Joshua there is.”

“My views on piracy and illegal streaming are I think it's illegal for a reason, and I feel like there's a lot of people working hard behind the scenes to get the fights going and showing things on TV.”

“A lot of boxers get along well. But if you have to fight each other, then leave that relationship behind.”

“Walking down the street, it's a humbling feeling. Everyone stopping you for photos and autographs, it's real humbling.”

“It always excites me to meet new family members. I'd like to meet them all someday.”

“When I'm not training, I'm reading.”

“A lot of people might say, 'He must be seeing this person because he has problems,' but actually, the truth is it's a strength to realise you're doing things wrong... and it's a strength to get help.”

“In boxing, there are lot of things that happen where they try to slow down the process and try to get to the other team, trying to get into our heads.”

“I dropped Nascimento in the first round, but he came back, and I had to dig really deep because he was gaining the whole time. He ruptured my left ear drum with a right hand in the fifth round, which caused a few hearing problems, but I was able to overcome it.”

“It was a good experience for me to be in the same camp as Minto when he was preparing for Shane Cameron, to see the weaknesses and strengths he brings.”

“It is a Polynesian thing where you are calm and relaxed in your approach to life. But, when you're in the ring, you really go for it.”

“There's nothing like getting in the ring.”

“Know that the power comes from within: when you are tired, or you want to give up, dig deep. Dig deep for whatever reason - in boxing, in sport, in life.”

“If you have goals or aims in life, write them down. If you look at your goals every day, then it will encourage you to try your best in all you do, be focused, and stay determined.”

“My Pacific Island genes will never allow me to be the most ripped, but I think I can get pretty close to it.”

“My motivation is being unified heavyweight champion of the world, making New Zealand and my family proud.”