Former world champion Joseph Parker says he is in "great shape" ahead of his weekend heavyweight bout against Dillian Whyte in London.

The New Zealander takes on Britain's Whyte at the O2 Arena on Saturday, with both men knowing a win will move them closer to a world title fight.

"I'm in great shape. There are no excuses here," Parker said at Thursday's pre-fight press conference.

"I'm here to do damage," he added. "I'm here to punch. I'm going to break him down."

Parker lost on points in his world heavyweight title unification fight with Britain's Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in March.

"My opponent has been talking a lot of smack. Sometimes I think smack talk is a sign of doubt and a sign of trying to convince himself and others that he's ready for the challenge," he said.

"I hope he's ready to take all the punches as I'm going to give it real bad."

Whyte, who lost to Joshua in 2015, did not shy away from Parker's taunts.

He said: "I've trained with a lot of lighter guys, fast guys, strong guys. Wherever he wants it, I'll be there. I have come here to win. I've trained hard."

IN OTHER NEWS: This Saturday, 2016 U.S. Olympian and undefeated bantamweight Antonio Vargas is in action this Saturday night when he takes on Aaron Echeveste Lopez (5-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout at The Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

The 21 year-old Vargas has a record of 6-0 with three knockouts, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Luis Fernando Saavedra on February 23rd in Kissimmee.

Vargas of Kissimmee by way of Houston, has a win over undefeated Jonathan Garza (6-0) on his resume.

The Vargas - Lopez fight will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 PM ET.

"I trained hard for this fight, and I feel strong physically and mentally. This is one of the biggest fight cards that I have fought on.  I look to be on many more this year.  I'm excited for this fight and look to put on a great performance," said Vargas.

"Coming out of the Olympics, I felt Antonio was one of the best talent's coming out of the 2016 class.  He has tremendous power and speed that will dazzle the boxing world, and we look forward to seeing that on display on Saturday night," said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management.