Parker deserves much better from Auckland
The likeable heavyweight loves his home city but it has turned its back on him when he needs it most, reports Duncan Johnstone.
OPINION: Proud Aucklander Joseph Parker deserves better from his city.
The decision by Auckland council’s promotional arm Ateed to back away from supporting the young heavyweight’s world title fight against Andy Ruiz threatens to derail a December 10 promotion in the very heart of the city.
Here’s some irony. Newly elected mayor Phil Goff was happy to hop in the ring and grandstand his mayoral candidacy at Parker’s last fight in Auckland. With the voting finished his council is now happy to take the moral high ground and land what might be a knockout blow to Parker.
And here’s some more irony. Ateed were happy to help fund his crucial May bout in Auckland against Carlos Takam, a fight and subsequent victory, that put him in the powerful position he now enjoys, on the verge of history. What’s changed, other than the stakes and rewards have been raised to another level?
It’s a short-sighted decision and one that leaves Parker’s backers Duco facing a nervous weekend trying to cover the shortfall that runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If they can’t, there’s every chance the fight – and a massive opportunity for Auckland – disappears to the United States.
Parker is a success story for the city, a perfect portrait of what’s good about the region. A kid from south Auckland, who loves his native New Zealand and his parents’ Samoa, who has made good. So good, to now be on the verge of something no other Kiwi-born fighter has achieved.
It was understandable to see Duco back away from their national funding bid. But their plea for a bit of help from the host city made much more sense.
The direct benefits to Auckland over the weekend will be undeniable. OK, this isn’t a promotion the size of an All Blacks test at Eden Park, but hotel rooms will be taken by Kiwis from outside Auckland and some from overseas. Bars will be packed on fight night and the spending over a three day-period will be significant.
The ability to promote Auckland to a global TV audience in a broadcast that will last several hours is enormous.
This wasn’t a plea for money that will deny vital infrastructure in the city. This was an application for help from a fund dedicated for major promotions that will boost Auckland’s economy and profile.
Ateed have almost $8 million set aside for suitable projects in the financial year.
The pay-per-view TV element weighs heavy on Duco in these sensitive times but the simple fact is that without it, even thinking about promotions like this would be a waste of time.
Duco cop a lot of backlash. They are often victimised for thinking big and achieving big.
But they have rejuvenated New Zealand’s boxing scene and added the NRL Nines to our sport- GETTY IMAGES ing calendar, a success that has Aussie league officials looking jealously at this side of the Tasman. Their success has a flow-on effect to host cities and the nation.
This is a chance for Auckland to be standing at the end of the fight with their arms raised with Parker. Instead the council has thrown in the towel before the first bell.
Parker has been keen to showcase his skills to the country during his rapid rise but he has fought 11 of his 21 fights in Auckland. From the moment this opportunity arose he has spoken about nothing other than having the chance to fight for this title in his home.
He has supported his faithful following just as they have supported him. Now both Parker and his fans have been swept aside by the city’s new political broom. This is a chance for Auckland to be part of history – the first New Zealand city to host a fight of this magnitude. Sadly that might now be history.
‘ Parker is a success story for the city, a perfect portrait of what’s good about the region.