WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is going back into training camp ahead of schedule as his management team battle to gain control of his next fight against mandatory challenger Hughie Fury.
Duco are still negotiating with Fury's promoter Frank Warren, despite the fight having gone to purse bids – with both camps failing to broker a deal.
"Both boxers wanted more money, but it's about getting the right deal," Parker said.
"Even though Fury is the mandatory, he's never headlined a card or fought pay-per-view. But it's a world title and he thinks he deserves a lot more money than I think he deserves. But it's up to them [Fury's management team] what they come up with."
Even though a date and venue for the fight is still to be decided, Parker is returning to Las Vegas earlier than initially planned and will miss the Halberg Awards and his unusual commitment to next weekend's NRL Auckland Nines.
"I want to say sorry to the Warriors boys. I was going to be the waterboy, but I can't be there - I will be watching from overseas. The holiday was going to be just over two months, but it's time to go back into training."
Parker obviously enjoyed a less than perfect diet over the Christmas break.
"I have put on a bit of weight.
"I love those burgers and pies and spent a lot of time with family and friends. I think I'm about 115-116kg, so put on about 5kg. Could be more, who knows?"
A decision on that bout is still up in the air, but Parker is ready to go to the UK if required.
"I don't care where the fight is. People forget that I've fought in America and Germany and all that matters is that I train hard. A UK bout against Fury could be a perfect lead-up into bigger fights and getting that experience.
"However, home advantage is also good, giving New Zealanders the chance of seeing another big title fight."
While Parker flies to America on Sunday evening, his Duco team will be continuing negotiations with the Fury camp – and they're hoping a purse bid can be avoided before the deadline next Thursday (NZ time).
"We are in on-going dialogue to try and get a deal," said Parker's promoter David Higgins.
"It comes down to money and there's a reasonable chance we can make it here [in New Zealand] if common sense prevails.
"Fury is looking for substantially more money than [Andy] Ruiz Jr did, but he's perfectly within his rights to do that.
"There's a huge fanbase for boxing in the UK, British fans turn up to the opening of an envelope.
"Fury's team aren't being difficult, they just want market value for the fight."
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