February date for Parker-fa showdown
Both boxers aim to be fighting fit for bout after surgery postponement
Anew date has been confirmed for the blockbuster s howdown between Joseph Parker and Junior Fa, with the world-ranked Kiwi heavyweights set to clash at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday, February 27.
Previously s c heduled f or December, the bout was postponed after blood tests revealed Fa was suffering from a health issue that required the 19-0 undefeated prospect to undergo surgery.
The of f i c i al event doctor appointed for the fight, Dr Dave
Renata, confirmed Fa would cover in time.
“Junior’s surgery was a success and he is well and truly on track to be fully fit and in very good health for the rescheduled date on February 27,” Renata said.
Parker’s advisor, David Higgins of Duco Events, was pleased the rescheduled date could be confirmed.
“While the postponement of the fight was disappointing, the most important thing is that both fighters are at their very best — and there are no excuses — when they step into the ring,” Higgins said. re
He pointed to the record-setting 2009 showdown between David Tua and Shane Cameron, which was delayed after Cameron broke his hand during a tune-up fight.
“Interest only grew during the delay and the fight went on to set
viewership records that still stand today,” Higgins said.
“And we all saw what happened when a clearly very frustrated David Tua finally got the chance to unleash his fury.”
Former WBO champion and No 3 contender Parker confirmed he was looking forward to relieving pent-up frustration in what will now be a high-summer showdown between t he f ormer amateur protagonists.
“We’d been working really hard to ensure I peaked in December and delivered a performance that would have made the heavyweight division sit up and take notice,” Parker said.
“So it was very disappointing when Junior had to postpone. But these things happen in boxing. The good thing is that Junior is now on track to be 100 per cent fit and ready to go in February. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Fa, ranked No 6 by the WBO and 11 by the IBF, is keen to put his health issue behind him and prepare for the biggest fight of his career.
“It is never ideal when these things happen, however I’m happy and relieved to confirm I’m now well and truly back on track. I’ve been looking forward to this fight for a long time now, so to again have a date locked in is great.
“Joseph Parker has held a world title before, so when I beat him, I’ll be a giant step closer to realising my own dream.”
Fa’s manager Mark Keddell said his fighter was fully focused on being at his peak on February 27.
“The fact is Junior would not have received a medical clearance to fight in December, so there’s no point wasting any more time and energy on that,” Keddell said.
“We’ve dealt with the issue and moved on. Junior is now in great physical and mental shape. If there is any lingering frustration on the part of Duco and Joseph Parker, that’s their problem.”
All existing general admission tickets and corporate tickets remain valid for the new date.