Hughie Fury's camp is well aware of Joseph Parker's talent, calling him "one of the best heavyweights out there".
The date and venue for the Kiwi boxer's mandatory WBO title defence are still to be confirmed, although April 1 in New Zealand is being strongly tipped.
In the interim, Fury's dad and trainer Peter Fury has been lauding the skills of the unbeaten Parker.
"I rate him… and the team he's got – they're very good professionals," Peter Fury said.
"Parker is no mug and one of the best heavyweights out there. He's a major talent and I'm just looking forward to the fight."
Many experts believed Parker lost his title-winning bout against Andy Ruiz Jr in December, but Peter Fury says it was just a close battle between two good fighters.
"That fight could have tipped either way. Ruiz is also a world-level operator and I thought Parker was measured. People said Ruiz was out of condition and expect a six-pack and muscles – but you don't develop muscles on your chin. Ruiz had terrific hand-speed, was in fantastic condition and it was an evenly matched fight."
While Hughie Fury has been confidently predicting victory, his father is well aware of the huge challenge ahead.
"It's a major step up and Parker will be the best heavyweight Hughie has boxed – but I would also say that Hughie is the best fighter Parker has boxed. When that bell goes, it's gonna be interesting. We know Parker can punch and he's a big, well-conditioned heavyweight – we've got our work cut out."
Team Fury has come to terms with the fact they may have to head south.
"I'm not relishing the thought of travelling 23 hours on a plane, it's just an inconvenience.
"But Hughie will be well-prepared and it's all about who wants it most. Hughie would fight him on the moon if necessary."
Fury believes the final details will be confirmed in the next fortnight.
Newshub.
