Joseph Parker admits Sunday's rematch with Derek Chisora is a sliding doors moment in his career.
In what will be his first career rematch, Parker says he wants to show how much he's improved under trainer Andy Lee since his last bout in May.
The heavyweight also wants to ensure his recent sacrifice is worthwhile, as he plots his way back to the world title.
It was tough, but Joseph Parker left loved ones behind in New Zealand so he could focus on his goal.
"There's a reason why I'm here, why I left my family and the comforts of my own home," Parker tells Newshub.
"Because I want to achieve something in boxing."
The 29-year-old wants to win another belt. And to get the chance to do that, he knows he needs a big win against Derek Chisora in the early rounds this weekend.
"If I can get an early finish, it would be the best Christmas present ever."
A win would catapult him into next year with eyes on a world title fight, while a loss, well...
"I don't know if you'll go down 50 steps, you go down 100 steps, [If] I lose this fight, it's pretty much… I don't know.
"I don't know where to go from here."
Parker says his current camp, training alongside Tyson Fury and compatriot David Nyika, is the best he's ever had.
Both he and trainer Andy Lee are confident he's improved since he last met Chisora in May, and he'll show it on Sunday.
"He's going to be more aggressive," Lee says. "He's not going to be as passive, more aggressive, a really strong solid jab, a spiteful jab."
"We've talked about how we went into the last fight and I got knocked down, started off on the back foot. This fight we want to show more of a different side," Parker adds.
After that, the 29-year-old is demanding bigger fights. There's already talk of a potential bout with Brit Joe Joyce, or a rematch with Dillian Whyte - who defeated the Kiwi back in 2018.
"Just get me involved with the biggest fights I can. That way, if I'm fighting the best in the world and beating them, I can challenge for the world title when it becomes available."
A world title that could be around the corner, with a good win this weekend.
Join Newshub for live updates of Joseph Parker v Dereck Chisora II from 7am Sunday.
