The big fight, the big questions answered
What’s at stake?
Parker (27-2) and Fa (19-0) are scheduled to meet in the biggest domestic bout since David Tua knocked out Shane Cameron in 2009. While there is aminor belt on the line (the WBO oriental heavyweight title), of more importance is what a victory could do for their respective careers.
With Parker third in the WBO rankings and Fa just two places behind, it’s the first time two world top-10 ranked Kiwi heavyweights have squared off and the bout has huge
Junior Fa
So who will win, and how? Stuff’s
boxing writers make their picks. Samwilson: Parker is levels above Fa
They say boxing is about levels, and a fit and firing Parker is several notches above Fa. The former WBO world champion has faced some of the very best of the heavyweight division, including Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr, Dillian Whyte, and more than held his own.
Fa, meanwhile, has yet to face anyone of note and at times struggled with the journeyman opponents put in front of him. It takes a giant leap of faith to see him beating someone of Parker’s class.
Duncan Johnstone: Parker’s power will be telling
Their 2-2 amateur record is irrelevant now – three round tussles collecting points, 9-12 years ago, doesn’t equate to the strategies and rigours of the pro scene. It’s amarketing ploy and nothing more. If anything, Junior Fa’s constant references to that will only motivate Parker more.
Fa is physically bigger but Parker has more power.
Prediction: Parker by KO (6th or 7th round)
Mat Kermeen: Fa taking amassive step up
Who is the biggest name Junior Fa has beaten?
The fact that most Kiwi boxing fans could barely name a previous
Parker’s Olympic hopes in 2012.
It’s not just inside the ring where the pair have history. Both grew up in South Auckland not far from each
he’s ready and confident, I’m ready and confident.’’
Fa, a regular and respected sparring partner to former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, has yet to taste to defeat in 19 pro bouts but this is the opponent shows Fa has fought a very low calibre of opposition. Parker himself has looked average in his last two fights, but Fa hasn’t shown enough to suggest, so far, in his career that he’s got the tools to step up and trouble Parker.
Prediction: Parker by KO (6th or 7th round)
Marvin France: Parker’s experience will be key.
The opening few rounds will be crucial in determining how this fight plays out. Ultimately, Parker’s superior experience and sustained punching power should bring him home, but don’t be surprised if Fa turns this into a long night.
Prediction: Parker by KO (9th round)
other and are members of the same Mormon church. That familiarity has led to a generally respectful tone between the two combatants, with
first time he’s met anyone close to the top tier of the division.
After an undergoing an undisclosed operation late last year that forced a postponement from the original December 12 date, Fa insists he’s both keen to celebrate their shared background and Pasifika heritage – Parker is Samoan and Fa has Tongan roots – over the trash talk that usually comes with big-time boxing.
‘‘It’s like a dream,’’ Parker said. ‘‘Two guys from South Auckland, both ranked in the top 10 and we’re going tomake some history.’’
Who else is on the card?
The undercard features a host of Kiwi talent, headed by two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist David Nyika and undefeated heavyweight Hemi Ahio. Nyika is making his pro debut against Jessemaio before Ahio takes on Julius Long in the penultimate bout of the night.
There’s also a NZPBA women’s heavyweight title fight between Alrie Meleisea and Lani Daniels.
How can I watch?
Tickets are still available with organisers expecting a sellout crowd of about 8000 for the current configuration at Spark Arena.
The event is being shown via payper-view on Spark Sport from $49.99.
ready tomake the big step up.
‘‘I feel a lot better. I’ve performed a lot better in this camp as opposed to the last date,’’ he said.
‘‘The training is done, the talking is done, and I’m good to go.’’