News on the family front has strengthened Joseph Parker's resolve ahead of the New Zealand boxer's upcoming world heavyweight title unification bout against Anthony Joshua.
Already a father to 16-month-old daughter Elizabeth, Parker has revealed he and partner Laine are expecting a second child.
With his much-anticipated clash against British superstar Joshua in Cardiff a little more than two weeks away, the WBO champion from south Auckland believed the impending arrival is just another reminder of what he is fighting for.
Parker has lived mostly in Las Vegas at the home of his trainer Kevin Barry for the past five years and admitted to News Corp it was "very hard" being almost 11,000kms from his pregnant partner and baby daughter in Auckland.
"Luckily, we have video calls back home but it's just not the same.
"I'm missing out on the growing up, taking first steps and all that.
"It's tough but I just keep reminding myself I'm doing all of this to give them a better future. You have to make sacrifices to look after your family sometimes."
Very close with his family, Parker's encounter with WBA and IBF title holder Joshua will certainly help to secure the future of those closest to him.
Taking place in front of a sold-out crowd of 80,000 at the Principality Stadium and set to be watched on television by a huge worldwide audience, the bout is expected to earn the 26-year-old New Zealander more than $12 million.
The financial benefits of his success in boxing has meant Parker, undefeated with 19 knockouts in his 24 professional fights, has been able to buy a house for his partner and daughter in rural Auckland.
And an addition to the house is one of the first items on his to-do list after his fight against Joshua.
"I've already looked online and bought a big playground for them that I'm going to build when I get back after the fight," the 26-year-old told News Corp.
So far it's got two swings and a slide. Next thing I'm going to get is a trampoline.
"It's almost like I'm going to be a child again. I'll be having fun with Elizabeth and playing around.
"I will fly back to New Zealand on the Monday after the fight. Hopefully, I will be flying back as a unified champion and we can celebrate back home."
Parker is also adamant fatherhood has had a positive impact on him as a boxer.
While he admits it has softened him as a person, he said now when he steps into the ring he has added incentive to get the job done.
"I would die for my daughter, I love her that much.
"But that being said, it hasn't softened me in the boxing ring. I'm still vicious and I still want to knock people out - only now I'm doing it all for my family."