Kiwi heavyweight boxer Junior Fa says he's ready for the biggest challenge of his career, when he goes toe-to-toe with American journeyman Dominick Guinn in California on Saturday (NZT).
While Guinn isn't a household name, he does have a 35-12-1 record, and has fought the likes of Kubrat Pulev, Hughie Fury and Monte Barrett. On top of that, he's renowned for his durability and has never been knocked out in his 48-fight career.
Fa, 17-0, knows the importance of this fight, as a win could see the seventh-ranked WBO fighter go on to fight another heavyweight contender later in the year.
"A win will give me bigger, better names in the future," he told Newshub. "If I come through this fight, then I'll be stepping up to contender phase.
"I'm taking this guy very seriously. It is a 10-round fight and I'm approaching in it in that way too.
"This guy is tough and a dangerous puncher. In the back of the mind, I'm campaigning for a stoppage, but I have to set it up. I won't be looking for it though.
"If the opportunity presents itself, then I'll go for it, but I won't go overboard.
"This guy is tough, he's a veteran. He has fought some of the best of the world and they've struggled to stop him, so I know what I'm up against and I'm very excited for the challenge."
Last year, Newshub revealed that Fa endured a health scare, when tests discovered low iron and haemoglobin that threatened his rise up the ranks.
But after minor gastric surgery, Fa is fighting fit and feels his sturggles has given him more confidence inside the ring.
"I'm feeling much better than I did last year. I was feeling fatigued and tired during training, and I was struggling to recover at all, whereas now I'm feeling better and it gives me confidence.
"I wouldn't say I'm back to my best, because it is changing, but I'm feeling much better and targeting a better performance."
The 29-year-old says he has also gained confidence from sparring and training with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
The Aucklander has now had a few training camps with the American in Alabama, which has helped him both mentally and physically.
And with the heavyweight division wide open after Andy Ruiz Jr stunned Anthony Joshua earlier this month, Fa is ready to take his opportunity with both hands.
"For this particular fight, sparring with Wilder has given me plenty of confidence, because I can say I've been with the WBC champion and competed with the best, which makes me feel more prepared mentally.
"With the Ruiz win, it put more eyes on the prospects and contenders, while before they were just on Joshua, Fury and Wilder. If I continue on this path I'm on, I'll be able to contend for one of these belts."
Fa says he won't be able to watch Kiwi rival Joseph Parker's fight against Alex Leapai on Sunday, but he predicts his compatriot will be too fast and explosive.
He refuses to rule out fighting Parker in the near future.
"It's not something I focus on, but if our time comes, then sweet - that would be cool."
Fa plans to have two more fighters later this year.
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Join us at 1pm Sunday for live updates of the Joseph Parker v Alex Leapai heavyweight bout
