"I've met with Millie at the office a few times and I can tell you she calls a spade a spade," Mr Higgins said. "She knows exactly what she is doing."
Boxing training had been great "therapy" since Mr Morris' death almost seven weeks ago and she was fighting to make him proud, Ms Elder-Holmes said.
"After Connor's passing, fitness, especially boxing, has been therapy for me.
"I'm doing it to challenge and focus myself and to make Connor proud. I'm doing it with the full support of family and friends.
Millie Elder-Holmes has indicated she will dedicate her bout to Connor Morris' memory.
"Yes, I realise this puts me in the public eye. But everything that I do, all that happens to me, seems to end up back in the public eye regardless. I am not going to let that hold me back."
She refused to say where she would train but confirmed a close friend of Mr Morris' would train her for a fight against an as yet unconfirmed opponent.
"I am training with someone who Connor trained with when he did boxing as a child. She is an extremely close friend of Connor's. It really has been a great outlet for me."
Millie Elder-Holmes. Photo / Greg Bowker
The selection of Hospice Waikato as the event's charity partner had been a big factor in her decision to fight.
"It was huge. In the months leading up to my dad [broadcaster Sir Paul Holmes] passing, Hospice was a huge help to us. They'd come out to our house on a daily basis and show us how to care for dad.
"I can't speak highly enough of Hospice. They are like angels."
Millie Elder-Holmes at the Fight for Life press conference . Photo / Greg Bowker
Duco's communications director Craig Stanaway described New Zealand's infatuation with Ms Elder-Holmes as similar to that of America's with the Kennedys.
"We've seen Millie grow up on our TV screens, the daughter of a very, very famous father," Mr Stanaway said. "And her family, just like the Kennedy clan, has had a lot of pain and tragedy."
