Anthony Joshua has named the time-frame of which he feels he can put Joseph Parker away in on Saturday night.
The 28-year old is defending his WBA (super), IBF and IBO world titles against the New Zealander, who puts his WBO belt on the line for the eagerly anticipated fight at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
AJ got past Carlos Takam, a late replacement for the injured Kubrat Pulev, to defend his titles in his last fight, but will be looking for a more convincing fight in his second bout in Cardiff.
And while he acknowledges the strengths of his fellow undefeated opponent, saying he is preparing for difficulty in rounds five to height, he expects to finish Parker off in rounds eight or nine.
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"The difference is I know how to counter-punch," the 2012 Olympic Gold medalist quipped, as per Boxing Scene.
"I haven't seen Parker counter-punching anyone. I'll punish him when he's throwing at me, and I'll punish him when he's thinking of throwing at me. I'll break him down.
"Rounds five to eight, it'll be a tough night. But, if everything goes to plan I think Parker will fade between round eight and nine."
Joshua added in an interview with the BBC that while he does not fear Parker, he's fueled by the 26-year old's desire to improve.
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"If I hadn't I probably wouldn't have taken it too seriously," he said.
"I swear to you, my coach knows, I probably would have just gone through the motions in training camp. But that's not the mind-set.
"I've heard he wants to improve, better himself. He's had injuries he wants to overcome.
"I want to prove I'm better than my last few title [fights]."
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