Kiwi-Tongan heavyweight Junior Fa is in a compromising situation, as he prepares for his long-awaited return to the ring in one of the biggest shows of his career to date.
Fa will square off with highly touted prospect Frank Sanchez on the undercard of an event headlined by former world champion Anthony Joshua's bout against Swede Otto Wallin at Riyadh on December 23.
The card also features an intriguing co-main event between Fa's compatriot, Joseph Parker, and former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder, with Fa serving as sparring partner at the American's Alabama training base.
The City Kickboxing product has been a regular at Tuscaloosa in recent years, working closely with 'The Bronze Bomber' for some of the biggest fights of the notoriously heavy hitter's career - including his classic clashes with Brit Tyson Fury.
Fa has plenty of unique insight to offer on Parker, after fighting him as both amateur and professional, most recently in a competitive unanimous decision loss in February 2021.
He insists there's no sense of ill feeling or awkwardness towards his fellow South Aucklander in his current role - it's simply the nature of the business.
"This is sport," Fa told Newshub. "We just keep things professional.
"I have a job to do, being brought in as a sparring partner, not some kind of spy.
"I'm there to learn as much as I can off the previous WBC world champion, so why not take this opportunity to learn off one of the best, especially one of the hardest hitters the world has ever seen.
"It's also great, because the guy I'm going to fight is a very good boxer, a sharp boxer, and what better way to prepare for that kind of style than sparring with some like Deontay Wilder, who forces you to be sharp.
"It's a win-win for me."
Fa has more pressing issues at hand than rubbing a former opponent the wrong way, namely the immense challenge awaiting him in the form of his own upcoming adversary.
Undefeated Cuban Sanchez (23-0-1) is regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the heavyweight division.
The 1.93m (6ft 4in) slugger - who works with Canelo Alvarez's trainer Chepo Reynoso - is ranked No.3 in the WBO and has forged a reputation as a knockout artist, boasting 16 finishes through his 23 victories.
Well aware of his status as an enormous underdog with the bookies, Fa embraces the low expectations, eager to cash in on the enormous opportunity that awaits.
"Everyone's biggest fight is their next fight and this one, for me, can open up massive doors," he said.
"I'm coming in as an underdog and I'm just there to wreck the party, bro. What comes from this fight is ultimately life changing.
"I've got a family back home - three kids and a wife - so this is such a big deal. I've just got to make sure that I turn up and I grab it with both hands."
Magnifying the occasion is Fa's lengthy absence from the ring. He hasn’t fought since a first-round victory over Tussi Asafo 13 months ago, arresting a two-fight losing skid that also included a brutal knockout against Aussie Lucas Browne.
Now 20-2, Fa needs a statement performance against a credible opponent to raise his profile and ranking in the major organisations. He's currently only seeded within the WBA, where he sits at No.10.
"It's a different feeling this time, because I've been out so long," he said. "I'm just keen to get back into the ring. I'm very, very excited for it
"It's a different kind of drive, when you're really, really seeking it out like I am right now.
"It's a big card. It’s a big opponent and I'm just training hard, so I can get the job done."
Join Newshub on December 24 (NZ time) for live updates of Joshua v Wallin
