OPINION: In the world of boxing, a fight that makes money makes sense.
It's the main reason - hell, the ONLY reason - Floyd Mayweather will fight Conor McGregor in Las Vegas on Sunday.
The novelty factor of an undefeated boxing great taking on the biggest name in UFC is expected to make this the largest grossing fight in boxing history, and make 'Money' Mayweather around US$100 million.
- Roundtable: Mayweather v McGregor - who wins?
- McGregor ridicules Mayweather at weigh-in for mega-fight
Joseph Parker and his trainer Kevin Barry will be there, and the spectacle - as well as the spectacular numbers - must provide food for thought for the boys at Duco as they map out Parker's future.
In the constant guessing game of "where to next?" for Parker, they might look at what's happening in Las Vegas today and consider the possibilities close to home.
The closest comparison that comes to mind is Parker versus Mark Hunt. It's a fight that would certainly make money, and a whole lot of sense.
Look at this from the perspective of each fighter.
Joseph Parker is 25 years old, 1.93m tall, 112kg, with some of the fastest hands in the heavyweight division. He's young, he's tall, he's light on his feet, and he's quick.
Mark Hunt is 43, 1.78m tall, 120kg, has explosive knockout ability, and is coming to the end of his career. He's old, short, heavy, chasing a big payday, and still has the box office pull to get one.
It's perfect for everyone. Just like Mayweather versus McGregor, these are two big names in the New Zealand market that appeal to an audience that stretches beyond their respective disciplines.
Names like Andy Ruiz and Razvan Cojanu are a tough sell to your average fan in New Zealand.
Mark Hunt is not. He has a highlight reel and Kiwi roots. This is a fight that could and would sell out Spark Arena, or even an outdoor stadium.
And before you dismiss the idea as a joke and a smear on the sport of boxing - which is the attitude many have towards Mayweather v McGregor - consider the benefits for Parker: a boost to his bank balance, sure, but more importantly a boost to his global profile.
If he could become the first heavyweight boxing title holder to engage in a cross-code fight, Parker would earn headlines around the world. At the moment, Parker's lack of international box office appeal and pay per view pull is preventing him from becoming a global star.
He's having to do things the hard way. If he beats Hughie Fury in Manchester next month, he's facing another couple of high-risk fights in the UK before moving into the frame for a unification bout with the biggest name in boxing, Anthony Joshua.
Provided Parker beats Hunt, it could provide an alternate route to where he really wants to be.
If he can prove his ability to pull big pay per view numbers - even in a novelty fight - it could be a game changer in the eyes of Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn.
The risk is relatively low, the benefits could be enormous. The idea of Parker versus Hunt isn't as silly as it might seem.
Andrew Gourdie is a reporter and presenter for Newshub Sport.
