After months of negotiations, the biggest fight in New Zealand boxing history is finally a reality. Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker will face old amateur rival and now unbeaten pro Junior Fa at Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand, on December 11.
Parker (27-2, 21 KOs) is currently ranked No.3 with the WBO and seeking fresh impetus after halting Shawndell Winters in five rounds in Dallas in February. Fa (19-0, 10 KOs) split four fights with Parker as an amateur and believes he has the number of the former champion.
Parker’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “This is going to be war. We’re looking forward to co-promoting our first event in New Zealand with David Higgins and Duco. There’s plenty of needle with the amateur rivalry and there’s national pride at stake. A win over Fa will catapult Joe back into world title contention.”
Parker’s manager and Duco Founder/Director David Higgins added: “Given the challenges facing major sporting events around the globe right now, getting this fight over the line is absolutely huge and we are grateful to our partners Matchroom for their backing to make this happen. With both boxers inside the WBO top 10 world rankings and in their prime, this is undeniably New Zealand’s fight of the century.”
“Parker’s an Auckland-born Samoan, Fa an Auckland-born Tongan; the fight is taking place in the largest Polynesian city in the world; both fighters are close to and desperate for a title shot; they have a split history in amateur fights, and they are both members of the same Mormon Church. This fight already has everything.”