Joseph Parker’s promoter David Higgins has compared Anthony Joshua to that of the England football team, who are 'built up and hyped up, but never steps up when it gets to the top level', as a unifying fight between the two looks increasingly likely.

While the fight has not yet been made official, Higgins arrived in London this week to finalise talks with Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, and an official announcement is believed to be imminent.

The bout would see the New Zealander place his WBO belt on the line while Joshua will make his WBA and the IBF belts available in an attempt to unify the heavyweight division.

It looks likely to take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in early April and promises to be one of the fights of the year.

Although being so far away from home would suggest Parker to be at a disadvantage, Higgins is very confident that his man will win the fight and had some strong words for their opponent.

"You did say you wish to unify, there is that old saying be careful what you wish for but we will pay you respect for being a man of your word," Higgins told Behind the Gloves.

"Some people only talk but talk's cheap so you're stepping up trying to unify and we think with your style and Parker's, it will be good for the fans and it will be the fight of the year.

"We have a hypothesis that Joshua is like the English football team. Built up and hyped up, but never steps up when it gets to the top level.

"They will get up to the football world cup finals, but never make the final because they choke.

"So we wonder whether Joshua at unification level will be found out?

"We believe that unification bout is a step too far and we will find out hopefully if we get the fight."

While Parker is currently in his native New Zealand, he could be boarding a plane to the UK at any time with Higgins confident that a deal can be made ‘within a week’.

Hearn has echoed these comments, and is hopeful that Parker will arrive in the UK by the weekend after the fight is made official.

"We had about four hours yesterday, we're drafting, we've overcome most of the points in the agreement,’’ Hearn told IFL TV. ‘’Hopefully, Parker will come in the weekend... hopefully, you'll get an announcement next week."