Parker and Fa all set for all down-under rumble!!!
After months of negotiations, Australian heavyweights Joseph Parker (27-2, 21 KO’s) and Junior Fa (19-0, 10 KO’s) have finalized a deal to go head-to-head on December 11. The two will collide in Spark Arena located in Auckland, New Zealand. The all down-under showdown is on track to be the biggest boxing match in New Zealand history.
PARKER CHASING FORMER WBO TITLE
Former WBO heavyweight world champion Parker was last in the ring on February 29. Then, he collected a fifth round knockout victory over Shawndell Winters (13-4, 12 KO’s). It was his first bout back after suffering a freak spider bite incident that derailed his then-scheduled prizefight with Dereck “War” Chisora (32-9, 23 KO’s).
The Winters bout marked his third consecutive victory since suffering back-to-back losses to WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO world heavyweight champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (23-1, 21 KO’s) and Dillian “The Body Snatcher Whyte (27-2, 18 KO’s). Now, the laid-back big man is aiming to extend that win streak in this highly anticipated hometown fight.
“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.”
~Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing
JUNIOR FA QUEST FOR FIRST TITLE
For Fa, who has not fought in 2020, this will undoubtedly be the biggest fight of his professional career. As stated previously, Parker has already tasted the fruits of obtaining a world championship title, however Fa has not. Currently, the WBO has Parker ranked as their #3 heavyweight and Fa is #6.
Therefore, whoever prevails in this upcoming clash of big men will be in a strategic position to challenge for Joshua’s WBO strap. So while both boxers already have great motivation to win the hometown dust-up, the WBO title looming in the background adds all new importance to snatching the win.
“I’ve always believed that Junior Fa had the ability to become a World champion and, on December 11, he’ll have the opportunity to prove that against a former heavyweight champion and amateur rival, in countryman Joseph Parker.
Not only is this matchup one of the biggest fights in New Zealand history, it has high significance on the heavyweight landscape worldwide, with the winner closing in on a world title shot. With a win, Junior can become a New Zealand sports superstar and a worldwide boxing star in one night. I’m proud to co-promote this historic fight card with David Higgins’ Duco Events and Matchroom.”
~Lou DiBella, DiBella Entertainment
By: Bakari Simpson
