Kiwi heavyweight Junior Fa's promoter is down-playing a potential world title fight against Anthony Joshua.
The WBA, WBO and IBF champion's now on the hunt for a new opponent, after his June 1 challenger Jarrell Miller failed a drugs test.
While it's unlikely, Fa's training regime makes it more feasible.
As UFC star Israel Adesanya celebrated victory in the US last week, Fa waited under the stadium to welcome him with a haka.
- Joshua's opponent to be confirmed next week
- Parker "very willing, ready" for Joshua rematch
- Miller drug test returns "adverse finding"
Adesanya and Fa know each other well - they both train at Auckland's City Kickboxing and Fa's adopted the gym's method of training every day to keep fit.
"It's just a more professional way to look at the sport and to basically be in the sport - because you love it and you want to learn - not because you're fighting for a payday, so you only turn up at the gym, when you have a fight," Fa says.
Unlike other boxers, whose weights might fluctuate in and around fights, the Auckland gym's approach helps Fa remain close to fighting weight at all times. If Anthony Joshua's camp agrees to fight him, he would only have five weeks to get ready for his shot at the title.
"A short camp is not an excuse for me, because I'm ready to go," he says. "I'm fit."
Promoter Lou Di Bella told Newshub, while they never formally approached Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, he's aware of Fa's interest.
Di Bella thinks a fight between Fa and Joshua is unlikely, but regardless, his fighter will be ready.
"My mindset today in sparring was definitely different," says Fa, who's currently in the US, sparring with WBC champ Deontay Wilder, as he prepares to defend his title against Dominic Brazeale in a month.
Fa will find out next week whether he's preparing for a title fight of his own.
Newshub.
