Undefeated Aussie Demsey McKean thinks he has the ability to beat Kiwi Joseph Parker in a heavyweight showdown.
Parker's management - David Higgins and Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn - have been working towards an August bout for the 28-year-old to help launch DAZN streaming service in New Zealand.
At the moment, the most likely opponent is former WBA champion Lucas Browne, but Kiwi Junior Fa - whom Higgins claims has priced himself out - and McKean have also been touted.
McKean is unbeaten in 18 professional fights, including 12 knockouts.
The Queensland southpaw recently won two WBO regional titles, the sanctioning body where Parker is ranked second.
New Zealand and Australia would have to form a trans-Tasman coronavirus 'bubble', before an August bout could go ahead.
McKean is amazed that he's been mentioned in the same breath as Parker, but insists he has the goods to beat him.
"I'm very blessed to be talked about even fighting Joseph Parker," McKean has told BoxingNewsNow. "It has been crazy, my phone is going wild and every day I am getting messages on social media about this fight.
"It definitely is the fight that the Australian public is demanding and I'm sure New Zealand boxing fans would much rather see Parker in a real fight against a live opponent than against a washed-up fighter.
"I am definitely a live opponent and I would argue the most live opponent in the Oceania region right now.
"I think this fight makes a lot of sense, and it would be a fantastic fight for Australia and New Zealand. I have a great team, led by Angelo Di Carlo, and I trust them to do everything in their power to make the fight happen."
Since suffering back-to-back defeats to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, Parker has beaten Alexander Flores, Alex Leapai and most recently Shawndell Winters.
McKean considers he's better than all three of those fighters.
"I believe the fight is a close fight. Parker has struggled with southpaws before, so that would give me the advantage to begin with.
"I believe I am far beyond the level of those fighters he has clashed with in the past and I believe that my record proves that.
"I don't want to disrespect Joseph in any way - he is a great fighter and he has done wonderful things for boxing in the Oceania region as a whole. I just think I would cause him all sorts of issues and I don't have an ounce of quit in me.
"If it turned into a brawl, I would brawl if I have too. If I have to stick to my boxing to win, I can do that as well.
"I have all the faith in my team and I am sure that Parker's team want him to face a live opponent, so why not make this fight happen.
"I believe the sports fans in Australia and New Zealand would buy this fight, and it is definitely the best fight out there for both of us."
