At a glance

Full fight card:

■ Joseph Parker v Junior Fa (not before 10.30pm – heavyweight, 12 x 3-minute rounds)

■ Julius Long v Hemi Ahio (heavyweight, 8 x 3-minute rounds) ■ David Nyika v Jesse Maio (cruiserweight, 6 x 3-minute rounds) ■ Nik Charalampous v Panuve Helu (cruiserweight, 6 x 3-minute rounds) ■ Alrie Meleisea v Lani Daniels (heavyweight, 8 x 2-minute rounds – NZPBA women’s heavyweight title)

■ Jerome Pampellone v Anthony Amouta (catchweight 86kg, 4 x 3-minute rounds)

■ Richie Hadlow v Obedi Maguchi (catchweight 62kg, 4 x 3-minute rounds)

■ John Parker v Egelani Taito (light heavyweight, 4 x 3-minute rounds)

■ Phil Tele’a v Niro Iuta (corporate rule,s 3 x 2minute rounds)

Having grown up in the same area, attended the same church and fought against each other as amateurs, Parker and Fa have left the verbal sparring to their respective team members and made sure to shake hands after the face-off.

Both declined to reveal what was said on stage, but Parker agreed it was just the ticket to set the tone for what is arguably the biggest domestic bout in New Zealand history.

‘‘Now it’s time. I can’t wait,’’ he said. ‘‘He was saying a few things. To be honest, I didn’t hear what he said. But we both really want this fight.’’

Parker tipped the scales at 108.9kg, 2kg lighter than his most recent bout against Shawndell Winters 12 months ago.

While the 29-year-old is the heavy implications for that organisation.

Parker’s British promoter Eddie Hearn has made it clear that not only does his fighter need to beat Fa, he needs to do so in emphatic style. A loss, on the other hand, would be disastrous for his future prospects.

As for Fa, a win would be truly lifechanging. Adding a former world champion to his unbeaten record would give him instant credibility at the top-end of the division and open the door to more lucrative fights.

What’s the history between Parker and Fa?

It’s basically the reason the fight was

favourite heading into the bout with a significant edge in experience, the key physical attributes favour Fa.

Along with the weight disadvantage, Parker is giving away 11cm in reach and 3cm in height. However, he

Prediction: Parker by KO (9th round)

made. The pair fought against each other four times as amateurs, sharing the honours 2-2, although Fa had the last laugh when he ended

was more than happy with how he measured up.

‘‘I’ve been training hard for a good weight and my body feels good,’’ Parker added. ‘‘The staredown was good, it was intense and it shows that

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

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

ready to make 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.’’