A WELCOME FROM
EDDIE HEARN W
e’re delighted to be working with Duco for our first event in New Zealand. The country seems to have COVID under control and it’s great to see fans return in force to the Spark Arena for this crunch clash to determine the number one in the country. This is a massive fight not just for national pride but also for the Heavyweight landscape. This is not a token event to resume live events, Junior Fa is a live dog in this fight. It has brilliant narrative with the four amateur fights, but with the smaller gloves on this time, it’s totally different. Bragging rights and the chance to push towards a World Title shot are at stake here. Fa is young, fresh and unbeaten. He’s
certainly coming to win with a fearless attitude. He’s got everything to gain, a victory puts his name right in the mix. Joe is on another shot at a World Title. He’s highly ranked. People are talking about a Chisora or Ruiz rematch, but he can’t overlook Fa, this is must win. Inactivity has played a big part as we’ve seen from fights already this year. Both guys could be a little rusty, a little tetchy so don’t blink - Anything could happen from the off. I’m gutted I can’t be there with the travel restrictions into the country, but my good friend David Higgins has been in charge of the fight week activities, so everyone has been in good hands. No more talking, come the opening bell we get to see who the best Heavyweight in New Zealand is. ■
Programme Editor: Daniel Barnard Fighter Interviews: Jamie Ward and Scott Hammerton Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com) Cover: Adam Insam Master of Ceremonies: Lt. Dan Hennessey
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n behalf of Duco Events, I’m delighted to welcome you to what is quite literally one of the biggest sporting events in the world right now! We’ve had to navigate injuries, date changes and delays to be here tonight, so we thank you for bearing with us. We feel fortunate to be in New Zealand and still in business! In 2009, against all odds, Duco pulled off a record-setting showdown between fellow New Zealanders David Tua and Shane Cameron, a night those present will never forget. Today we feel a sense of dejavu as we await this landmark Heavyweight boxing contest, between WBO #3 Joseph Parker and WBO #5 Junior Fa. These two former amateur champion rivals, who have fought four times, for two wins each; will finally now settle their score as professionals.
Tonight would not have been possible without the belief and backing of our naming rights sponsor Stonewood Homes and major event partners NZME, Spark Sport and Headquarters. We thank them for helping enable all New Zealanders and boxing fans globally, the chance to watch live sport when spirits need lifting around the world. We look forward to delivering you a night of explosive action, culminating in a fellow New Zealander rising to the very top of the Heavyweight world rankings. ■ David Higgins Founder
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PARKER J
oseph Parker returns to Spark Arena for the first time since claiming the WBO Heavyweight Championship against Andy Ruiz Jr here just over four years ago. Three consecutive knockout wins have rebuilt the South Aucklander’s title aspirations since back-to-back losses to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte and kickstarted his route back to the top of the ladder.
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FEBRUARY 27 2021
But first, Parker needs to settle the 11-year old rivalry with his long time amateur nemesis, Junior Fa. With two wins apiece from their amateur boxing days, Parker knows he’s one step away from potential fights back among the Heavyweight elite, but he cannot take Fa for granted. “Junior’s a tough fighter,” said Parker. “I’ve known this from our amateur days and I always knew our paths would
PARKER VS FA
cross again. He’s undefeated and poses a real threat to my hopes of becoming a two-time Heavyweight World Champion. “But I’ve been up against the best and I’ve performed on the big occasions, and these experiences will put me in a great position to overcome Junior and take the next step towards winning another World Title.” Ranked at No.3 in the world by the WBO, a fourth consecutive win tonight will see Parker knocking on the door for another World Title shot. Back at the place that arguably hosts Parker’s most memorable moment of his career, he knows everything is on the line tonight. The Samoan is fighting for his Pasifika pride, his future and to finally settle the score with Fa once and for all. “It’s been a long training camp, but I feel like I’m firing on all cylinders,” added Parker. “The sparring has been quality to help me prepare. With Matchroom’s blessing and backing, this gives the fight more worldwide exposure. All eyes will be on me during a busy boxing weekend around the globe. “I know Junior pulled out of the fight last year with health issues, but I’m feeling way better myself as well, the extra time allowed me to have minor surgery on my elbow which has cleared up a niggling injury. “Junior is getting a lot of confidence from the amateur days but I’m a totally different animal now. We’re going to see the best Junior Fa. He brings height,
reach and an undefeated record. “If I lose this fight, it’s a long way back to the top. I’m not putting extra pressure on myself, but I know the magnitude of this fight. If I let my hands go in there, it will do a lot of damage, I want to get him out of there. “I’m still young and hungry. There’s plenty of goals to achieve still. I want to be Champion of the World again; I want to provide my family with a comfortable life. To achieve both of those objectives, I need to beat Junior. “The division is on fire at the minute, it would be great to see the Undisputed fight with AJ and Fury but make no mistake I want another shot. I’m not shy about jumping in with anyone, but I can’t overlook Junior first of all, I want to make a statement at Spark Arena.” ■
“IF I LET MY HANDS GO IN THERE, IT WILL DO A LOT OF DAMAGE”
RECORD: (27-2, 21 KOs) AGE: 29 HEIGHT: 193cm / 6’4” REACH: 198cm / 78” NATIONALITY: New Zealand / Samoa Former WBO Heavyweight Champion RANKINGS: WBO #3, IBF #6, WBC #7 Has won his last three fights by KO Of his 27 victories, he has won 21 by way of knockout The only other person to defeat Andy Ruiz alongside Anthony Joshua Has never been stopped
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FA T
he undefeated Junior Fa is fighting on home soil for the first time since 2018. Scoring six knockdowns during three consecutive wins over in the USA, Fa has gained valuable experience and recognition that has propelled the Tongan South Aucklander into No.5 in the WBO rankings. But wherever Fa goes, the Joseph Parker shadow looms large and
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murmurs of a showdown between the pair have never been too far away. The amateur rivals’ paths have been on a collision course since Fa turned pro in 2016, and he has constantly had to address the prospect of a potential fight in the future. Well now, the time has come. Fa was on the undercard in 2016 and watched on as Parker lifted the WBO Heavyweight Title, but he returns to the Spark Arena tonight
PARKER VS FA
to forge his own path to World Heavyweight glory. “To be considered among the Heavyweight elite, you’ve got to beat the best,” said Fa. “Parker has been in the ring with the likes of Joshua, Ruiz and Whyte, so if I want to start sharing the ring with those guys, Parker is the first hurdle I need to overcome. “I can’t take too much from the previous four fights, we’re both completely different fighters now and the rules have changed from that format. “This is a huge opportunity for me. I was always sure it would happen in the pro game. Especially given the restrictions and limitations in place with the recent lockdowns. All the factors pushed the fight closer and it was meant to be. “It’s going to be a hard fight, I’m aware of that. Joe’s a former World Champion and well grounded, but I’ve prepared as best as I can and will be leaving it all on the line. There was a setback in the build-up, but I’m feeling great and performing well in training from a numbers perspective. The extra time has allowed me to drill the game plan home. I feel a lot sharper now. “The inactivity is what it is with how the world has been going on, it’s the same for everyone - I’m just thankful to have something lined up that I’ve been able to get my teeth into.
“History and heritage aside, victory opens a lot of avenues for me including improving my WBO World ranking. That’s something I’ve been working towards for years and it’s now in touching distance. There were a lot of negotiations, but we finally got there and now it’s here, I’m ready to get the job done. It’s win at all costs.” It’s two apiece from their amateur days, and the pride of the Pacific is on the line. It’s Tonga vs Samoa, it’s winner takes all. Tonight… it’s time for Fa to step out of Joseph Parker’s shadow. ■
“IT’S WIN AT ALL COSTS”
RECORD: (19-0, 10 KOs) AGE: 31 HEIGHT: 196cm / 6’5” REACH: 204cm / 80.5” NATIONALITY: New Zealand / Tonga Undefeated in 19 fights. 10 KOs WBO Interim Oriental Heavyweight champion 53% KO rate Ranked No.5 by the WBO Has only been down once in his professional career
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UPCOMING SCHEDULE SOR RUNGVISAI VS. CHOCOLATITO VS. SITHMORSENG ESTRADA 2 FRI MARCH 12
SAT MARCH 13
ORTIZ VS. HOOKER
POVETKIN VS. WHYTE 2
SAT MARCH 20
BENN VS. VARGAS
SAT APRIL 10
SAT MARCH 27
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12 X 3 MINS VACANT WBO ORIENTAL HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
JOSEPH JUNIOR vs PARKER FA (NEW ZEALAND)
(NEW ZEALAND)
8 X 3 MINS HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST
JULIUS HEMI vs AHIO LONG
(NEW ZELAND)
(NEW ZELAND)
6 X 3 MINS CRUISERWEIGHT CONTEST
DAVID JESSE vs MAIO NYIKA
(NEW ZELAND)
(NEW ZELAND)
6 X 3 MINS CRUISERWEIGHT CONTEST (86KG)
NIK vs CHARALAMPOUS
(NEW ZELAND)
PANUVE HELU (TONGA)
4 X 3 MINS CATCHWEIGHT CONTEST (86KG)
JEROME ANTHONY vs PAMPELLONE AMAOUTA
(NEW ZELAND)
(NEW ZELAND)