Dillian Whyte has upped the verbal sparring between himself and Joseph Parker ahead of their clash later this month - claiming that the former WBO heavyweight champion would have been knocked out by Anthony Joshua in his last bout had it not been for the referee.

Parker (24-1, 18 KOs) was recently reassured as to the quality of British officials by the British Boxing Board of Control after his promoter David Higgins launched a scathing attack on the standard of officiating that his fighter has had to contend with during his last two fights - both of which have taken place in the UK. 

Whyte (23-1, 17 KOs) mocked the complaints of Team Parker when speaking to Sky Sports, however, insisting that he believes Parker was spared a stoppage defeat against Joshua in their heavyweight championship unification contest back in March because referee Giuseppe Quartarone did not allow Joshua to fight on the inside.

"Parker was on the back foot," Whyte said of the Joshua Vs Parker fight.

"He's usually a come-forward fighter, and Joshua wasn't able to cut him off and close him down as much as he would have liked to, because they were both happy and content.

"Parker was happy and content to lose, Joshua was happy and content to pick up the win.

"Their styles didn't really gel. The referee didn't help the situation, but I believe the referee actually helped Joseph Parker out, because had he allowed them to fight on the inside, I reckon Joshua would have won by KO."

The 32-year-old Londoner meets Parker at the 02 Arena on July 28 - with the victor assured of putting themselves in contention for a rematch with unified heavyweight champion Joshua.

It was announced on Thursday that "AJ" has agreed to stage each of his next two fights at Wembley Stadium - the first of which is expected to take place on September 22 against WBA mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin. 

A second date of April 13, 2019 has also been secured at the national stadium, though - and whilst most in the boxing world hope that the date will see the long-awaited contest between Joshua and Deontay Wilder - there could well be an opportunity for another opponent should the Wilder fight not come to fruition.

This possibility is far from lost on Whyte, who plans to stake his claim should he defeat Parker.

"I've got bigger things to focus on right now and it's Joseph Parker, so I'm focusing on that. After the 29th of July, I'll start screaming from the roof about a fight (with Joshua). But now I've got Joseph Parker to focus on."

Whatever the outcome of the Whyte vs Parker bout, fans will be keen to see decidedly more action than has been on display in Parker's most recent fights.

An emphatic finish by either man would surely enhance their claims to be one of the next to face Anthony Joshua. In such a crowded and talent rich division, it is vital that every chance to make a statement is seized.