Joseph Parker looks like the underdog in the fight of his life tomorrow. He is visibly shorter than Anthony Joshua and Britain's champion has the longer reach. Every New Zealander old enough to remember knows how much that mattered when our last heavyweight contender, David Tua, stepped into the ring against Lennox Lewis.
But tomorrow morning's fight is not a mismatch. Parker's promoter may have done some big talking to get a shot at Joshua's titles but Parker brings a world title of his own to the contest and he looks and sounds ready for the occasion.
He certainly does not sound over-awed. He appears to be going about his preparation calmly and methodically, expressing quiet confidence as well as respect for the opponent. Neither boxer has indulged in the silly pre-fight aggression that only reminds people professional boxing is often more a show business than a sport.
Not tomorrow morning. This fight is one both must win. The loser might get another shot at a title but neither will be banking on it. Parker has trained for years for this moment. He is carrying the hopes of New Zealand and Samoa and could hardly be in a better place. Cardiff's Millennium Stadium has seen many All Black victories. New Zealanders are well known and respected there.
Parker does not have hometown advantage but he will know half a world away two countries are with him. Nobody is over-confident but he cannot be counted out. We could be celebrating tomorrow.
