Joseph Parker is far from finished.
That's the message the 26-year-old had for his fans on arrival to Auckland following his unification heavyweight title loss to Brit Anthony Joshua on Sunday morning.
Parker came up short over 12 rounds but became the first man in 21 fights to take the powerful Joshua the distance, showing moments of success throughout the 36 minutes.
The Kiwi is keen for some down time but has promised the best is yet to come.
"It's not the end. This is just the beginning," Parker told the media at Auckland Airport on Wednesday.
"We still have a lot to learn but we still have a lot to give to the heavyweight boxing world.
"You are going to see a lot more of us. We want to be involved in big fights and we are excited what is to come."
Parker plans on going for a run on Thursday morning as he looks to make the most of the tremendous shape he got into for the biggest fight of his career.
However training will take a back seat to family and fun.
"Been dying to see my daughter so want to see her and my partner. I promised Kev (Barry) I would take him fishing and catch some snapper and dive for some kinas."
"We want to relax and enjoy ourselves and look forward to the future and start planning some fights and get back into it straight away."
What Parker's immediate fighting future might look like is far from clear at present.
A number of heavyweight contenders are championing themselves as the next logical contender to both Joshua and WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
The Kiwi is at least two impressive wins away from being back in the title mix but said if that did it once they can do it again.
"A little team from New Zealand accomplished fighting in front of 80,000 people," Parker said.
"It's not just me that is happy and excited, it's the whole team. It was a great experience and we will only come back stronger, faster, better and unify again."
The now 24-1 Parker should find himself ranked inside the WBO's top five when the new ranking are released next week.
Newshub.
