The career of Kiwi heavyweight boxer Junior Fa seems poised for a big revival.
Newhsub understands Fa's in line as the co-main event, when Australian lightweight champion George Kambosos defends his world titles this year.
With a few potential opponents on the table, no name has been finalised yet.
Fa's last fight was his 12-round defeat to compatriot Joseph Parker in February 2021, a bout that earned him plenty of praise and saw him rise up the rankings, despite the loss.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sidelined the 32-year-old since, but a return to the big stage is on the horizon, with promoter Lou di Bella intent on making sure Fa is there when Kambosos defends his belts.
“Oh man, it would be good... it would be good," Fa tells Newshub. "Just thinking about it now, visualising it, thinking about knocking that person out, whoever it may be... it gets me excited."
Kambosos has made it clear he wants to fight in a major stadium in his native Australia, which is an enticing prospect for Fa too.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to potentially be on the card," he says. "Kambosos being an Australian, me being New Zealand, I suspect I will be a big part of the card as well.
"I'm very excited and very game. After the Parker fight, I’m so good to go again.
"I’m just excited to fight anyone again and to be doing it on such a big stage would be huge for me. Hopefully, things can get finalised soon."
Fa’s stocks were career high, after he fought Parker, with di Bella declaring he thought he would fight for a world title one day.
Inactivity has been tough on Fa and with his wife just recently giving birth to their third child, being able to return home after the fight was a major factor.
"It's a massive relief,": he says. "It's a bit daunting having to leave the wife with the three kids, so knowing I can get over there do my job and get straight back, that’s a huge relief off my chest.
"I also get to come back and do what I actually am, which is a father and a husband."
Manager Mark Keddell is also excited about what could open up for Fa, after a big fight later this year.
"Absolutely, the aim is to be a top-10 ranked fighter and that’s where we need to be again," he says. "I don't think it’s hard for Junior to be in that space - he showed it against a former world champ in Joe.
"It's a great opportunity for us to be able to bounce back in the world rankings. We get the opportunity to have a big fight, earn a big payday, then that's it, you’re back in it."
