Rising New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker has had double honours bestowed on him by American broadcasting giant ESPN who have recognised his knockout power and rated him one of their top prospects for 2016.
Respected writer Dan Rafael has long been a fan of the 23-year-old Parker and has followed his career with interest.
In looking at young fighters across all divisions who could make moves in 2016, Parker has been rated No.6 in a list headed by American welterweight Errol Spence Jnr.
Parker is the second highest heavyweight on the list, edged out by powerful British fighter Anthony Joshua who Rafael says "is built like a truck" and commands the No 2 position on his list.
But there was plenty of praise for Parker who he feels has the size and power to do some damage in a division that is finally opening up with the unexpected loss of long time champion Wladimir Klitschko.
"Parker who has sparred with ex-champion Wladimir Klitschko, is a fresh face in a division needing new blood. He's a big puncher with good skills and excellent conditioning. Already an attraction at home, Parker (who has had two US fights) has a good team behind him, including noted trainer Kevin Barry. In 2015, Parker went 5-0 (all KOs), including versus experienced foes Bowie Tupou and countryman (and former title challenger) Kali Meehan in a huge all-New Zealand fight," Rafael wrote of Parker.
Parker is unbeaten over 17 fights with 15 knockouts. He is rated No 3 by the WBO, No 10 by the WBC and No 12 by the WBA.
Parker and Joshua seem to be on an inevitable collision course.
Rafael also noted Parker in his list of knockouts of the year. That compilation was headed by Canelo Alvarez's demolition of James Kirkland.
While Parker didn't' make the top five "sweet shots", he did feature in the ‘more monster shots” category for his first round knockout of Australian Bowie Tupou in Invercargill.
And there was also a mention for Parker's stablemate Izuagbe Ugonoh who sent Will Quarrie out of the ring with a hit in the second round on the same card.
Parker is currently in Las Vegas training for the first fight of what promises to be another busy year.
He faces American southpaw Jason Bergman in Samoa on January 23.
Earlier this week, boxing publication The Ring said Parker was one of its five prospects of the year. It will name its winner from the five in January.