Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker has confirmed his next opponent is American-Mexican Alexander Flores.
The fight will take place at Christchurch's Horncastle Arena on December 15.
Based in California, Flores has 15 stoppages in 17 victories, with his sole defeat coming against ex-IBF champion Charles Martin back in 2014. He also served as Andy Ruiz' sparring partner ahead of his fight against Parker two years ago.
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"There is no way this fight goes 10 rounds, said Flores. "I'm going to knock him out. A lot of people might not have heard of Alexander 'The Great' yet but they'll all know who I am after December 15."
The 28-year-old is promoted by boxing great Roy Jones Jr.
For Parker, this is a must-win bout having suffered back-to-back defeats in Britain this year - losing his WBO belt to Anthony Joshua in April, and then landing on the wrong end of another decision against Dillian Whyte in July, leaving his record at 24-2.
The former WBO champion has vowed to produce a knockout in front of his home fans.
"I'm really glad that Alex is coming to New Zealand full of confidence," Parker said.
"For me boxing is all about the challenge and this is another big one. I know what is stake, I need to win and win well.
"I need to knock him out and I will knock him out. But I can't focus on that. I need to focus on getting better each and every time I get in the ring."
Trainer Kevin Barry admits Parker cannot afford another setback at this stage of his career as he seeks to put himself back in contention for another big-name bout.
"After a five-year undefeated run that took Joe all the way to the WBO world title, we now find ourselves in very unusual territory, coming off back-to-back losses," said Barry.
"Joe has never been in this position before and needs a top performance. Joe finds himself under huge pressure to not only to win this fight, but to win big and get his career back on track
"We've known for some time it was likely to be Flores and it is great to have that confirmed These guys are the same height and they both pack a serious punch, so it stacks up as a great contest.
"This is a dangerous fight - a fight where Joseph Parker is fighting for his career."
Newshub.
