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The name Edwin Valero might not ring too many bells, even with boxing folk, but a record set by the Venezuelan fighter 101 years ago has become Tyrone Brunson's main focus in life.
Brunson is a brash 22-year-old American middleweight hoping to break the record for the most consecutive first-round knockouts. At present, his record stands at 16, two behind Valero, but with two likely fights in the space of five days the plan is to eclipse the record at SkyCity on June 8.
A scan through Brunson's fighting resume makes impressive reading. In 16 fights as a professional, he has spent 1124 seconds in the ring, or an average of 70.25 seconds a fight.
His shortest was 17 seconds while Guy Packer has the relative distinction of lasting the longest - 2m 24s.
"After about my 11th or 12th fight people started to make a buzz about the record," Brunson says as quickly as some of his combination punches. "I wasn't aware of no record. My manager was just lining them up and I was knocking them down. We really started to go after it after that. Now I have the whole boxing world wondering, is he going to break this record?"
Maybe not the whole boxing world, but pugilists aren't famed for modesty.
It must be said the calibre of Brunson's opponents has been modest and he's drawn criticism for not stepping into the ring with anyone of ability. It's one of the principal reasons why he's come to the less-politicised boxing world of New Zealand to do it and he's even considering moving here permanently.
But the fact remains that he still has to knock them to the canvas.
"It's hard to knock out 16 guys," Brunson says. "I don't think anyone will break my record for first-round kills [knockouts] for another 20 years.
"It's an easy way [for me to make a name for myself]. This is a chance for everyone to know me. Once I've broken the record, I'm going to step up my game and shoot for state and regional titles and I should be fighting for a world title in two years.
"I'm only 22, we ain't in no rush. I'm still learning - I haven't even got my man strength yet."
Brunson's power has obviously made waves and he's struggled to find sparring partners since arriving here.
Even last week Peter Kariuki pulled out of a session with Brunson and Kariuki is a former sparring partner of Anthony Mundine and Danny Green.
"The thing about Tyrone is he's a power puncher but he's also a boxer," promoter Mick Watson said. "The Australasian market is flush with middleweights, super middleweights, light heavyweights and cruiserweights but the fact is we can't get anyone who wants to spar Tyrone."
Auckland's Jamie Waru will be presented as Brunson's sacrificial lamb.
Waru knows that most people will hope he lasts less than three minutes but he was confident he could not only last but also spring a surprise.
"I'd like to be the first person to break his record," says the 35-year-old with a record of 18 wins [9 kos], 21 losses and one draw. "I'm not going to go in there and lay down. I've fought the best in Australasia and I can beat this guy."
It shouldn't take long for punters to find out either way.
