A new date has been confirmed for the blockbuster showdown between Joseph Parker and Junior Fa, with the world-ranked Kiwi heavyweights now set to clash at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday, 27 February, 2021 live on DAZN in the U.S. and over 200+ countries and territories.*

Previously scheduled for December, the bout was postponed after blood tests revealed Fa was suffering from a health issue that required the highly-rated, undefeated prospect to undergo surgery.

The official event Doctor appointed for the Parker v Fa fight night, Dr Dave Renata, yesterday confirmed that Fa’s recent surgery had been successful.

“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 re-scheduled date on February 27,” Dr Renata said.

Parker’s advisor, David Higgins of Duco Events, said this was great news and the exact result they had been waiting to hear so they could confirm the new date for fans anxious to see the biggest heavyweight clash featuring two Kiwis ever to be staged in New Zealand.

“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.

Higgins pointed to the record-setting 2009 showdown between David Tua and Shane Cameron, which was also 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 current No. 3 contender Parker confirmed he was most definitely looking forward to relieving some pent-up frustration in what will now be a high-summer showdown between the former amateur protagonists.

A new date has been confirmed for the glamour Kiwi boxing showdown between Joseph Parker and Junior Fa with the fight set for February 27.

Previously scheduled for December, the bout was postponed after blood tests revealed Fa was suffering from a health issue that required the highly-rated, undefeated prospect to undergo surgery.

February’s fight will again be staged at Auckland’s Spark Arena.

The official event doctor appointed for the Parker v Fa fight night, Dave Renata, confirmed Fa’s recent surgery had been successful.

“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, said it great news and the exact result they had been waiting to hear so they could confirm the new date for fans.

Former WBO champion and current No. 3 contender Parker was looking forward to relieving some pent-up frustration in what will now be a high-summer showdown between the former amateur protagonists.

Fa, (19-0, 10KO) who is ranked No. 6 by the WBO and 11 by the IBF, was excited 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,” he said.

“I’ve been looking forward to this fight for a long time now, so to once 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.”

 

Joseph Parker vs Junior Fa on December 12in Auckland in a battle between New Zealand’s two top heavyweights.

Not only is this match-up one of the biggest fights in New Zealand history, it has high significance on the heavyweight landscape worldwide

Former world champion Parker and his long-time rival Fa will finally settle a rivalry that saw them fight four times as amateur, winning twice each.

“This is going to be war,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We’re looking forward to co-promoting our first event in New Zealand with David Higgins and Duco. There’s plenty of needle with the amateur rivalry and there’s national pride at stake. A win over Fa will catapult Joe back into world title contention.”

“Given the challenges facing major sporting events around the globe right now, getting this fight over the line is absolutely huge, and we are grateful to our partners Matchroom for their backing to make this happen,” said Parker’s manager and Duco’s founder and director David Higgins.

With both boxers inside the WBO top 10 world rankings and in their prime, this is undeniably New Zealand’s fight of the century.”

Fa’s promoter Lou DiBella said: “I’ve always believed that Junior Fa had the ability to become a world champion and, on December 12, he’ll have the opportunity to prove that against a former heavyweight champion and amateur rival, in countryman Joseph Parker.

“Not only is this match-up one of the biggest fights in New Zealand history, it has high significance on the heavyweight landscape worldwide, with the winner closing in on a world title shot.

“With a win, Junior can become a New Zealand sports superstar and a worldwide boxing star in one night. I’m proud to co-promote this historic fight card with David Higgins’ Duco Events and Matchroom.