Boxing promoter Bob Arum is predicting that the winner of the Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz WBO world heavyweight championship fight will be "king of the [heavyweight] division".
Speaking to media from his home in California for the first time since the fight was announced, Arum was excited about the prospect of such a huge fight and what it means for the future of the sport.
"Parker is probably the hardest-punching heavyweight around, and Andy without any question has the fastest hands in the division.
"Having fast hands in boxing is very special and makes Andy Ruiz very dangerous. Parker is a tremendous puncher, so he will have to stand there and absorb the fast-hand punches on Ruiz and unload on Andy with his best punch.
"This is a true heavyweight championship fight between two young heavyweights, and I think the winner will be the king of the division."
Arum is excited to come to New Zealand for the first time, and will celebrate his 85th birthday two days before the December 10 bout.
"I'm really looking forward to doing a fight with Duco in New Zealand, particularly for a fight of this magnitude.
"I've promoted fights in Australia and in most countries in Asia. But I've never had the opportunity to even visit New Zealand - everybody says what a spectacular county New Zealand is."
Arum, who has managed some of the greatest boxers of all-time including the late Muhammad Ali and Manny Pacquiao, is not surprised about the sudden rise of Parker in small country.
"I follow sports and one of them is rugby. I see all of those big strong New Zealand players who have dominated the game for many years.
"Years ago I did a lot of boxing events in South Africa. That was a big rivalry, the Springboks vs the All Blacks. I'm familiar with New Zealand sportsmen, and particularly the bigger guys.
"If I'm surprised about anything, it's that you haven't had more top-notch heavyweights over the years."
Arum will arrive in New Zealand on December 6, ahead of the world title fight.
Newshub.