Should Parker fight get Govt funds?
recently that tourism has taken over as New Zealand’s largest export product. While the ParkerRuiz fight is not the title fight, like the David Tua-Lennox Lewis one, a title is a title and home ground advantage is paramount – especially for a young humble boxer like Joe. He’s a south Auckland kid, who is a role model not just for south Auckland but all Kiwi kids. The World Boxing Organisation’s heavyweight title is a legitimate crown and if
Parker was to win he would become one of four world heavyweight champions and without doubt one of the top 5 or 6 boxers in the world.
Unfortunately, though this fight comes down to money, and in boxing that’s often the root of all evil. Imagine if the All Blacks management decided to take a winner take all Bledisloe Cup match to Twickenham because financially it is way better off than playing it at Eden Park. That would create a major scandal.
I think it would have been great if a title bout had of been held at Eden Park, Mt Smart or Vector Arena. Duco man Dean Lonergan is still holding out hope that a major backer will come on board. But as the November 5th deadline for the December 10th fight draws closer, that’s looking unlikely.
It’s a shame that this fight could now end up in America Duco will have no choice but to take the fight there if they don’t get financial backing. It is especially a shame though that too many of the public have such a stuck up and elitist attitude when it comes to the sport of boxing. It was okay when the government gave millions and millions to the rich man’s Americas cup over the years but any money going to boxing is frowned upon.
The main reason that Duco gave for not continuing with their application for funding was that they didn’t want to see New Zealand divided and split because they had asked for taxpayers’ money.
Boxing however is a huge part of life for the working class and blue collar people of this country and the sooner kiwis realise this, the better this country will be.