Dillian Whyte will face Joseph Parker at The O2 on July 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

'The Body Snatcher' is within touching distance of a shot at one of the world heavyweight champions and has bravely agreed to a high-stakes clash against Parker, the former WBO title holder.

Both fighters have just a sole defeat on their records, against Anthony Joshua, with Whyte losing via seventh-round stoppage to his British rival in December 2015, while Parker's WBO reign was ended by a points loss to AJ in a unification clash in March.

Dillian Whyte is risking his world title ambitions against Joseph Parker

"There's going to be blood, pain and a knockout. I'm bang up for this," said Whyte, who tops the bill at his favourite venue in London.

There's a massive incentive there to try and stop him. Dillian Whyte

"He's a good fighter but he didn't show much courage against Joshua, hopefully he'll be a bit more adventurous and come to have a fight against me.

"I like challenges and I rise to them, this is a big fight and I'll be training very hard as always. There's a massive incentive there to try and stop him.

0:46 Whyte produced a dramatic KO of Lucas Browne at The O2 in March Whyte produced a dramatic KO of Lucas Browne at The O2 in March

"We're back at The O2, it's always a great atmosphere inside the arena and I'll be looking to get a similar result to my last fight there."

Parker is pursuing a swift route back into title contention after losing his unbeaten record to Joshua in Cardiff.

Parker lost his WBO belt in a points defeat to Anthony Joshua

"We've both been in with AJ. One of us ended the fight on our feet, the other didn't. That pretty much speaks for itself," said the New Zealander, the only fighter so far to take Joshua the full distance.

"I'm really looking forward to fighting Dillian. He's got a big mouth and says some funny things - and he's also highly entertaining in the ring. It'll be an incredible fight. There's no doubt about that.

He's got a big mouth and says some funny things - and he's also highly entertaining in the ring. It'll be an incredible fight. Joseph Parker

"I'm really happy with how things have things have worked out. I know it took a lot of hard work from my team to get this over the line."

Adam Smith, head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: "There are so many great twists and turns in boxing and this is a quite wonderful surprise Summer announcement!

"The heavyweight division is white-hot and Dillian Whyte's clash with Joseph Parker is another superb match-up.

"Whyte is flying, Parker goes straight back into the fire. Can Dillian do what AJ couldn't and stop Joseph? Or will the New Zealander return to break British hearts?

"There will be a massive card on July 28 at The O2 to support this cracking heavyweight duel!"