Joseph Parker has accomplished so much for a 25-year-old.
An undefeated boxing career culminated with his 22nd win, capturing the WBO heavyweight title over Mexiacan Andy Ruiz.
But what Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko produced last Sunday [NZT] was something very special, and questions of the Kiwis ability to match it with the very elite of the heavyweight division have been asked by the pundits, here and abroad.
This week on the roundtable, a selection of Newshub's boxing minds attempt to answer that.
Brad Lewis, Newshub digital sports producer
Anthony Joshua silenced many of his critics with his stellar comeback performance, but even in victory more questions were raised. Cardio issues, weak-chin and in-particular, his robotic movement stood out to me.
Joshua has scary power but he moves like a hippo in wet mud at times, and has head movement that resembles a statue.
Deontay Wilder also comes with a heavy-punch and, from the footage I have seen, he appears to be the most well-rounded in the division, but he is very wild and throws loopy hooks that would get him in trouble against Joshua or Parker.
Parker's footwork and fast-hands definitely close the gap on his power-punching comrades, but against either a Wilder or Joshua the fight is one-punch away from ending.
Yes he can compete but I'm not sold that he would win, but he's getting there.
Andrew Gourdie, Newshub sport reporter
Yes. That's not to say he'll definitely beat these guys, but the reality is he's knocked over enough tomato cans and overcome a couple of seriously tough, durable fighters to be at the point where he simply must go up against high-profile, world-class boxers.
It's a fine line between going too big too soon, and waiting too long before trying to announce your arrival as a genuine heavyweight star.
Parker's timing is right. He's still a young heavyweight, but he has more professional ring experience than Anthony Joshua. It's time we found out just how good he really is.
Alex Bell, Former AM Show sports producer
It's impossible to know how any boxer will respond against different opponents - Anthony Joshua looked on his way out against Wladimir Klitschko, but dug deep to hang on in the sixth round and eventually recovered to deliver the telling blows in the 11th.
What we do know with Parker is that he's unbeaten, has had two tough 12-round contests (Carlos Takam and Andy Ruiz Jr) and is improving and learning all the time.
Many people are now saying he couldn't possibly mix it with Joshua, but the Kiwi is quick, in great shape, has a winning mentality and can punch - the most important thing is that the standard of his opposition improves quickly, so he has the chance to truly prove himself, but he has to be in the conversation.
Ross Karl, Newshub rugby reporter
I think he stands a chance. It's hard to tell in boxing because they've all fought quite different opponents. That's what makes these debates interesting.
Joe Parker has fought tougher fights than Wilder (think Takam and Ruiz) and has certainly had more hard fights than Joshua.
Parker has a chin. Wilder has never had his tested and Klitschko made it obvious that Joshua's is prone, even if he has the guts and knockout power to make up for it against a great opponent.
Joshua and Wilder are one dimensional power punchers, while Fury and Klitschko have ring nouse. Parker sits somewhere in-between.
Ross McNaughton, Newshub sport producer
Almost.
I think Parker would justifiably go into a fight against Joshua as an underdog, but he has the skills to trouble him and the other big heavyweights.
Aside from his much discussed hand speed Parker's ability to throw combinations are a strength.
Another largely overlooked factor is Parker's solid chin, he has the proven ability to take a punch, Anthony Joshua certainly does not.
Newshub.
