Joe Joyce has compared himself to George Foreman ahead of his September showdown with Joseph Parker.

Joyce, 36, puts his unbeaten record on the line next month against former world champion Parker.

The New Zealander is one of the most dangerous operators in the heavyweight division, having previously only lost to the likes of Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, who he took the distance in 2018.

And Joyce is determined to prove he belongs with the big boys as he looks to complete his toughest challenge yet by beating Parker at the AO Arena in Manchester on September 14.

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"Now the fight is happening it is giving the fans what they want because it is going to be a great fight and I can't wait to just knock him out for all this time waiting and all the messing about when we could have had it in July," he told reporters at their pre-fight press conference in London on Thursday.

"He was just wasting my time. I think he will try his hardest to hit me and do whatever he has done in camp but, at the end of the day, I am gonna win and knock you out. Little Joe is going to tickle me on September 24.

"I would say I am more like the older George Foreman, the second one who won the world title. I am close to that age now and I am still knocking you out. I back myself, but I am the A fighter and I am entitled to my rematch clause. The fight is on now and I can put some dents into your face.

Joe Joyce has compared himself to George Foreman ahead of his fight with Joseph Parker

"What a night it is going to be, it is the best fight out there and there can only be one winner. The best on the night will be me, preferably. I am really excited for it and it is good I had a fight in-between to get me back in the ring after being out a long time. I am excited to be in the best fight, the best shape and really put a dent in his face."

Parker has won his last six fights since losing to Whyte, who he knocked down in the twelfth and final round, in July 2018.

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He added: "I see this fight as a great fight for both Joes.

"He may be bigger, but the bigger they are the harder they fall. So I think it is a great fight with us both ranked highly by the WBO and the WBC and it is a fight that I have always wanted. I am thankful to BOXXER and Sky and BT and Frank for making this fight happen.

"It is a fight that a lot of people wanted to see, a fight that I wanted and Joe wanted - and now we are here.

"I am very excited to start camp with Andy Lee next week and I am going to have the best preparation. There is no reaction to people saying I ducked the fight because we are here now and the reason for that is we want the fight. We have come to an agreement that everyone is happy with.

"I am going to beat him out, get the win and get out of there. That is what I'm going to do."