A giant sportsman from the old eastern bloc could be next in line to take on Joseph Parker as the Kiwi edges towards a title shot.
Solomon Haumono portrayed himself as 'Rocky' while Joseph Parker played 'Apollo Creed' in a promotional clip before their heavyweight clash, and the cinematic connection may soon get another chapter.
The identity of Parker's next opponent is due to be revealed by promoter Duco Events on Tuesday.
Alexander Dimitrenko could be in the frame as the Kiwi's 21st opponent, considering the Ukrainian-born naturalised German boasts the physical attributes to prime Parker for his IBF title fight with Anthony Joshua.
Dimitrenko may be recognisable to fight fans as a modern day equivalent of Ivan Drago, the Soviet behemoth played by Dolph Lundgren in 'Rocky IV'.
The Englishman enjoys a 10-15cm reach advantage over Parker, depending on what measurements are relied upon, so Dimitrenko, a former WBO Intercontinental heavyweight champion, could be tailor-made preparation given his 211cm wingspan.
Dimitrenko launched his professional career in 2001 and has since built a record of 38 wins [24KO] and two defeats.
The 34-year-old last fought in January but has only had six bouts since failing to claim Kubrat Pulev's IBF heavyweight crown back in 2012.
Duco Events promoter Dean Lonergan was deliberately vague when confirming Parker's next fight was scheduled for early October in New Zealand, though he was possibly angling towards the 2.01-metre Dimitrenko when revealing: "He's a substantial unit, it's fair to say.
"It's something we haven't faced before."
Parker, who beat Haumono with a fourth round knockout in Christchurch on Thursday night, has sparring experience against fighter with a height and reach advantage - notably former WBA and WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko.
But he is yet to confront an opponent capable comfortably keeping him at arm's length to negate his double jab, the focal point of his 198cm reach.
Parker, meanwhile, gave himself a pass mark following his predictable win over Haumono, although his occasionally suspect defence was rarely tested by the 40-year-old former league star.
"My hands were still a little bit low, but my movement was better," he said, acknowledging he had to keep improving to size up to the bigger names of the division: Joshua, Tyson Fury and Klitschko.