The all-New Zealand heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker 27-2 (21) and Junior Fa 19-0 (10) will now take place at Spark Arena in Auckland on February 27.
The pair were due to clash on December 12 but the bout was postponed after Fa turned in an irregular blood test that resulted in surgery.
The official event doctor appointed to oversee the Parker-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 rescheduled 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 number three 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 rivals.
“We’d been working really hard to ensure I peaked in December and delivered a performance that would have made the heavyweight division sit up and take notice,” Parker said.
“So it was very disappointing when Junior had to postpone. But these things happen in boxing. The good thing is that Junior is now on track to be 100 percent fit and ready to go in February. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Fa, who is ranked WBO number 6 and IBF number 11, said he was looking forward to putting his health issue behind him and preparing 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.”
Fa’s manager Mark Keddell said his fighter was fully focussed on being at his peak on 27 February.
“The fact is Junior would not have received a medical clearance to fight in December, so there’s no point wasting any more time and energy on that,” Keddell said.
“We’ve dealt with the issue and moved on. Junior is now in great physical and mental shape. If there is any lingering frustration on the part of Duco and Joseph Parker, that’s their problem.
“Luckily this will all be sorted out in the ring in 11 weeks’ time. And then Mr Higgins will truly get to experience what disappointment feels like.”
