The man guiding the fortunes of Junior Fa is adamant his charge will one day fight for a heavyweight boxing world title.
Fa's become one of the most talked-about fighters in the heavyweight division, despite losing a points decision to fellow Kiwi Joseph Parker.
And after initially questioning if the fight was too much too soon, Fa's promoter Lou DiBella has told Newshub he now believes his charge is a serious contender.
Junior Fa surprised the heavyweight division with his performance on Saturday night.
"I wasn't sure if Junior had it in him to be the kind of fighter that could go the whole way," DiBella tells Newshub.
"When I saw how he rose to the occasion against [Joseph] Parker, now I know I have a heavyweight contender and he'll be treated like that.
And DiBella isn't the only one impressed with how Fa handled the former WBO heavyweight champion.
"I haven't really talked to anybody who hasn't been positive," he says. "Even my fellow promoters and my competitors have told me they were impressed."
And the best is seemingly yet to come.
"At some point, Junior Fa will fight for a heavyweight title," says DiBella. "I 100 percent expect him to be a better fighter in future fights."
DiBella wants Fa back fighting in the US again soon and Newshub understands the 31-year old is on board with that.
He may have lost the decision on the night, but Junior Fa's biggest wins may be yet to come.
