Joseph Parker

Boxer Joseph Parker parts ways with Kevin Barry

The pair have parted ways by mutual consent.

Both men agreed to the decision after Parker's points victory over Junior Fa in Auckland on Saturday night.

"Without Kevin I wouldn't be where I am today," Parker said.

"Together we made it to the very top. Kevin was with me every step of the way, guiding my progress inside and outside of the ring. So it is with genuine sadness that I confirm our partnership has come to an end.

Parker eyes next fight after defeating Fa

Parker claimed a unanimous points victory after being forced to go the full 12 rounds by his former amateur rival in Auckland on Saturday night.

While it wasn't the knockout win he was looking for, Parker's manager David Higgins said an already rumoured fight against former world title challenger Chisora remained most likely to come next.

"Who knows, Chisora might want the fight even more now.

Joseph Parker defeats Junior Fa after going the full 12 rounds

The bout went the full 12 rounds, with Parker finishing ahead on all three judges scorecards - 119-109, 115-113, 117-111 - to collect a unanimous points decision.

The former WBO world champion went into the fight ranked third with that organisation, while Fa was ranked fifth.

The fight was the first between the two South Aucklanders in the professional ranks. They fought four times in amateur boxing, winning two fights each.

Earlier, David Nyika started his professional career with a bizzare first round knockout win over Auckland's Jesse Maio.

Joseph Parker, Junior Fa ready to put it on the line

After months of respectful build-up, the softly spoken South Aucklanders of Pasifika descent were set to resume their amateur rivalry for the first time as professionals.

The bout represented a crossroads moment for former WBO world champion Parker, now ranked third with the organisation.

Overcome fifth-ranked Fa, and the 29-year-old's dream of becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion remained very much alive.

Lose, and that door was shut - potentially for good.

Joseph Parker could get shot at Dereck Chisora or WBO title if he beats Junior Fa

The Matchroom boss will be watching on with envy from the UK, with a healthy crowd expected to watch the former amateur rivals square off in the pro ranks at Spark Arena on Saturday.

Hearn, who has continued to run shows in Britain behind closed doors, warned Parker that fighting throughout the pandemic has thrown up several interesting results, and he wouldn’t be completely surprised if the undefeated Fa managed to pull off an upset.

However, if Parker is serious about getting back in the title conversation, he simply has to deliver a knockout.

Joseph Parker predicting knock out win against Junior Fa in must-win fight

Parker took a short break from his preparation on Friday, to spar with Luna Rossa co-helmsman Jimmy Spithill, to help promote the fight.

There was no clear winner in that contest, but the 29-year-old is looking for a definitive result when he takes on Fa at Spark Arena.

Parker is the red hot favourite to win the fight and says he’s expecting Fa to hit the canvas at some point.

Parker, Fa adamant they're fighting fit

Originally scheduled for December 12 in Auckland, the fight had been postponed until February 27 after Fa needed surgery for an undisclosed medical issue.

In addition to that, Parker revealed on Tuesday he had undergone surgery on both elbows for the second time earlier this month.

While admitting he was still recovering from the procedures, the former WBO world champion was adamant he had made a good decision.

"They should have taken me on [on the original date] because I was training with injuries," Parker said.

February fight date set for Joseph Parker v Junior Fa Kiwi boxing blockbuster

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.

Joseph Parker's team get on the front foot over potential title clash with Oleksandr Usyk

While Parker, ranked third in the WBO, is preparing for his rescheduled bout against fellow Kiwi Junior Fa, his manager David Higgins has one eye on a future title clash with Oleksandr Usyk. And their hopes were given a boost last weekend when the No 2-ranked Daniel Dubois suffered a knockout loss to Joe Joyce.

Usyk is the WBO's mandatory challenger and any potential bout against Parker would depend on Joshua defending his WBO, IBF and WBA titles against Kubrat Pulev on December 12, and then vacating the WBO strap.

New dates for Parker-Fa fight

The original fight was due to be held on December 12th but was postponed last week because of an illness to Fa that will see him undergo surgey tomorrow.

Fa though expects to be back into full time training by early January although he won't reveal what the medical issue is.