Parker a hit with hospice

A champion New Zealand boxer prepares for his Hamilton fight to raise money for Hospice Waikato, and maybe a place in the top 10 rankings. Amanda Parkinson reports.

In an unprecedented move, a major charity event will ditch its Auckland digs and head to Hamilton.

The KFC Fight for Life will bring 14 boxers to Claudelands Arena including New Zealand heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, with the hope to raise more than $100,000 for Hospice Waikato.

The charitable organisation has provided care services to people with advanced, progressive and life-limiting diseases in the Waikato and King Country for nearly 25 years.

Chief executive Craig Tamblyn said the organisation was thrilled to be part of this year’s event.

‘‘It is an absolute honour but also really humbling to have Hospice Waikato recognised for the crucial services it provides in our communities,’’ he said.

Duco Events founder David Higgins said the move was an easy decision after his company had hosted several sold-out boxing events in the arena.

‘‘We love the venue, because it has that amphitheatre shape it is quite intimate and every seat has a great view.’’ Higgins said historically Hamilton has shown it is a great supporter of the sport and when events are held locally people ‘‘get behind it’’.

Parker, who is in Las Vegas training for an upcoming fight, said he was looking forward to heading to Hamilton for the charity event and fight that could see him enter the top 10 world rankings.

‘‘I really like the people in Hamilton . . . I have a lot of family down there and the locals really appreciate the sport.’’

Parker said he was looking forward to spending some time with local light heavyweight boxing champion David Nyika.

‘‘He is a great young boxer and I would love to invite him as my guest on the night.’’

While Parker has never fought at Claudelands Arena, he has been a spectator. Former All Blacks first fiveeighth Carlos Spencer will also be making his professional boxing debut against rival rugby league great Monty Betham in premier undercard bout.

Promoters are also promising some big name local celebrity line ups but remain tight lipped on who that might be.

In the past 10 years the Fight for Life has grown and now attracts more than 5000 people to the event, with a television viewership of more than 500,000.

Hamilton-based hospitality company Lawrenson Group’s chief executive John Lawrenson said Claudelands Arena was having a positive affect on the city.

‘‘It is continually getting some really good events which have a really positive affect on local businesses.

‘‘It’s not quite as big a night as an All Blacks game or V8 Saturday, but with people travelling from Auckland we would expect a big turnout – also people that come to these events will want to go out after.’’

Promoters expect the December 6 event will be a sell-out, with tickets going on sale this Friday September 19 through Ticketek. ‘‘We have sold out every event we have ever had in Hamilton, and I expect about half the people will travel from outside the Waikato including about 1500 people down from Auckland,’’ Higgins said. Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is looking forward to his Hamilton appearance.

Joseph Parker headlines Fight for Life, page 24.