By Liam Napier

At the start of a protracted build up to their anticipated title showdown, IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has ignited the war of words by firing barbs Joseph Parker's way. 

From a mind games point of view, boxing is often a battle outside the ring as much as in it. And Joshua seems intent on throwing jabs at Parker before the pair eventually square off for riches and rewards.

The English champion has gloved up from the other side of the globe to criticise Parker's last outing and claim the Kiwi "ain't beating me".

Joseph Parker's victory over Carlos Takam has been criticised by Anthony Joshua.

Joshua (16-0), who defends his title against undefeated American Dominic Breazeale (17-0) on June 25 in London, released a video featuring him speaking about Parker's elevation to the IBF's mandatory challenger position for the first time. 

But his comments were anything but complimentary.  

Asked what he made of Parker's unanimous points win over Cameroon-born Frenchman Carlos Takam last month, Joshua did not hold back.

"Styles make fights. Takam is tough but I just think he should've knocked out Takam," Joshua said to IFL TV.  "You know how I roll.

"Hand on my heart, I'm not even disrespecting anyone's talents and s*** but me? You're asking me?  Yeah man, I would be disappointed. Even if it was a bad performance, even if I had a cold or had a broken hand, over 12 rounds, I still expect to knock him out because it's just the way we're built I think. I don't know, that's just the way I've been built. It's just a different mentality so yeah I'd like to go in and know I'm going to cause some damage."

Joshua was asked if he rated Parker, who is unbeaten after 19 fights.

"Yeah, [I'm] giving him respect but he ain't beating me," Joshua said.

Waiting for his shot at Joshua, Parker is keeping busy and will continue to put his credentials on the line, first against Solomon Haumono (24-2-2) in Christchurch on July 21. The 24-year-old is then expected to fight in September in Invercargill. 

Joshua is, however, well aware of Parker's looming challenge, one not likely to take place until next year.

Parker is now ranked No 1 with the IBF and WBO, along with fourth in the WBC and eighth in the WBA.

"Yeah, that fight is going to happen, 110 percent… 110 percent.  I've been watching Parker since the Commonwealth Games in 2010.  I've known of Parker since then. Parker is not new on my radar.  Parker ain't this professional kid from New Zealand, I've known him since he was an amateur. I know a bit more about Parker than a lot of people think."