Joseph Parker could fight again as early as March 2024. The Kiwi heavyweight returned home from his triumphant trip to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, still buzzing from his comprehensive win over Deontay Wilder.
But Parker is only back in New Zealand for a short time, and his manager's confirmed plans are already advanced for his next challenge.
Parker is happy to be home, and the faces of his family are the number one reason.
"These girls go through a lot," he said. "It's just nice to be home."
Dad Dempsey and mum Sala have been there from the start, and they know better than anyone the scale of the sacrifice.
"He left his family behind, and dedicated all this time leading up to this fight," Sala told Newshub.
But it was worth it. Sunday's win over Wilder was huge in Parker's fight to stay relevant in the division.
No surprise then his promoter's been busy since.
"The Saudis and the people involved have already communicated there could be an opportunity in March next year," he told Newshub.
"There's no deal done yet, but if there is an opportunity in March, we'd gratefully accept it."
Higgins will do the wheeling and dealing, although he won't have to look far for some free advice.
"A rematch with Anthony Joshua would be good," said Dempsey Parker. "When [Parker] fought with Joshua before, he was young."
Parker met with Joshua in Saudi Arabia, but he wasn't the only big name to come up for a chat, he also ran into the man he beat in 2016 to become world champion.
"I spoke to Andy Ruiz," he said. "It would be great to have a rematch.
"He's one hell of a fighter."
For now Parker will take a break, a chance for some much-deserved relaxation before a very exciting 2024, for reasons other than just boxing.
"[It's an] exciting time," he added. "We've got a baby on the way.
"I've got four girls, beautiful girls, and a baby on the way. I love kids, I love the girls."
Baby No.5 and the rest of his whanau are fueling Parker's renewed passion, heading into what's shaping up to be his biggest year in the sport yet.
