Joseph Parker still expects to fight on May 6, despite the late withdrawal of WBO mandatory contender Hughie Fury.
The Brit has cited a lower back injury for his decision to cancel the heavyweight title fight, which was scheduled for Spark Arena in Auckland.
Parker says he has put too much work in to preparing to fight, and if an opponent can be found then he is game.
"I am definitely fighting on May 6," he says.
"I have been preparing for this day, so whoever they bring I want an opponent that will put up a good fight and an opponent good enough to make everyone think it is a 50/50 fight."
The WBO has given Parker's promoter, Duco Events, permission to seek out a challenger from within its top 15, including American Dominic Breazeale, who called Parker out on social media.
Parker says a deal could be done as early as Monday afternoon (NZT), noting that preparing for the unknown is just one part of being a heavyweight boxer.
"You do what you have to do, train hard and prepare well, and you want to defend the belt and keep it, so that's what keeps you focused, and whatever comes with that you just need to adapt."
Trainer Kevin Barry says the four-month camp has left his charge hungry to get in the ring, and he too would prefer a late replacement rather than the fight being rescheduled.
Barry wishes the Brit well in his recovery but says the late notice pull-out did not shock him.
"It didn't come as a total surprise to us with the way the Fury team have been conducting themselves in the last few months," Barry says.
But Parker isn't so sure the injury is legitimate.
"It's probably an excuse," he says.
Newshub.
