Joseph Parker's handlers expect him to face a real test when he squares off against giant Ukrainian Alexander Dimitrenko on October 1.

Dimitrenko, who stands at 2.01 metres, will be the biggest challenge from a height perspective in Parker's career.

The 12-round bout will take place at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, the same venue Parker secured a points win over Carlos Takam to secure the IBF No 1 mandatory position in May.

Dimitrenko holds a respectable 38-2 record, with those two losses coming against his only genuine top-class opposition; Kubrat Pulev (23-1) in 2012 and Eddie Chambers (42-5) in 2009. But given the 34-year-old won a unanimous decision over English journeyman Michael Sprott (42-26) in 2009, Parker will be considered in another class.

Dimitrenko is not seen as a power puncher, with only a 60 percent knockout rate. But with a 9cm height advantage and 18cm reach advantage, Dimitrenko will force Parker to adapt and use different skills to get inside.

"Dimitrenko is a guy who former world champion Shannon Briggs went out of his way to avoid earlier this year because of the risk," Duco Events promoter Dean Lonergan said.

 Dimitrenko is confident of his chances to win.

"He's a human being like me and you," said the 34-year-old. "He's a nice guy but during the fight we will both be trying to win. I have more experience, I have more fights. I have 40 fights and I only lost two. He hasn't lost, but in this business anything can happen."

A win against a high-profile contender like Parker would be enormous for his profile, the significance of the opportunity at hand not lost on Dimitrenko.

"This is a big chance for me, I have nothing to lose. I will prepare myself well, I can win a world championship. You will see on the first of October."