Though its announcement initially raised eyebrows, Dillian Whyte's bout against Joseph Parker this weekend has the potential to have a huge impact on the heavyweight division.

Neither will want to go down in history as a nearly man. Indeed, Parker has tasted what it is like to hold a version of the world title, before losing it to Anthony Joshua back in March.

This is his first return to the ring since that night and the New Zealander can at least lay claim to being the only man to take AJ the distance, something Whyte himself failed to do.

In light of those circumstances, it is a fight that neither can really afford to lose.

Unsurprisingly, Parker's promoter David Higgins has been talking up his chances despite him having lost his unbeaten record so recently.

"Whyte is probably going to throw some bombs, swarm and come forward, and if Joseph is going to take a more high-pressure approach, it's going to be explosive," Higgins told Sky Sports.

"This could well be the heavyweight fight of the year. He's in the best shape I've ever seen him. He came into camp fit.

"Dillian Whyte is in for a rude awakening, and when I say rude awakening, I mean he's rude and he'll awaken after he's been KO'd."

Higgins also revealed he had spoken with Malik Scott, who had been drafted in to spar with Parker, and the American had some interesting observations.

'The quickest in the division' 

"I was just chatting away to Malik Scott, who has also sparred Deontay Wilder," he added.

"We talk about Wilder's power. He mentioned speed, Joseph is so quick. I said would he be the quickest?

"Malik said 'Yes, he's the quickest heavyweight in the division'. By far the quickest hand speed he has ever come across."

Wilder is impressively quick for his size and it's certainly a big claim that Parker is the quickest heavyweight in the division.

The 26-year-old will be hoping his speed is an asset against Whyte at The 02 on Saturday as he will need to dodge some powerful punches.

If he can further enhance his reputation against the British fighter, he could soon be back in the hunt for belts. 

Where do you think Parker ranks among the current heavyweights? Have your say in the comments.