The hype is building for boxer Joseph Parker's trip to the United States, with his planned flight in doubt because of a last-minute computer glitch.
Parker's US visa had been approved but a global US Immigration computer problem meant there was no guarantee his passport would be returned before 5pm and a Tuesday night flight to Las Vegas, spokesman Craig Stanaway says.
"The US Consulate says they cannot guarantee they'll be able to issue the passport today."
Parker would have to cancel his flight if the passport did not arrive, he said.
Parker, the 22-year-old New Zealand heavyweight champion, is due to fight American Keith Thompson next month.
Another New Zealander Robert "The Butcher" Berridge will also fight Russian light heavyweight champion Vasily Lepikhim on the same card.
A spokesman for the US Embassy in Wellington confirmed there were problems with returning passports around the world.
The Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs was experiencing technical problems with its passport and visa system, he said.
"Particularly for visas, we are operating at a significantly reduced capacity and will be until we clear the document backlog.
"This issue is worldwide and is not specific to any particular country, citizenship document, or visa category."
Parker's trainer Kevin Barry wants him training in the warmth of his Las Vegas base and sparring with high quality US opponents to enhance his preparations for the Thompson fight.