Parker v Fa: Tension building ahead of Saturday's show-down

Heavyweight boxers Junior Fa and Joseph Parker face off at a press conference ahead of Saturday's fight. Photo / Photosport

Excitement is building as boxing rivals Joseph Parker and Junior Fa prepare to step into the ring for what has been billed as one of the biggest events in New Zealand boxing history.

Fight night is this Saturday at Auckland's Spark Arena with tickets selling fast for the much-anticipated event.

Promoter David Higgins said about 80 per cent of the tickets have been sold.

So far more than 8000 people are expected to attend the event with corporates snapping up about 95 tables to treat staff and host clients.

"Ticket sales have been very strong and it could well be a sell-out on the night," said Higgins, the director of Duco Events.

"Obviously with Covid in the country people are looking for things to do. And this may be one of the top two boxing events in New Zealand's history."

Higgins said there were still tickets available but people needed to get in quick. There were about half a dozen corporate tables available.

Ticket prices ranged from $69 in the upper levels to $399 for seats closer to the action.

The few corporate tables still available were priced up to $14,995 for a table of 10 in the front row.

The fight between former World Champion and WBO #3 Joseph Parker and undefeated Junior Fa has been brewing since December. The fight was postponed after Fa fell ill and needed surgery.

Parker took advantage of the time and had elbow surgery to remove bone fragments.

Parker said the extra time meant both fighters were better prepared.

"We are both 100 per cent now there are no excuses," Parker said.

"Come Saturday when we fight we are both 100 per cent and whoever wins is the best."

Speaking at a press conference days before the clash Parker, said he was planning on knocking Fa out in the first six rounds.

Fa, 31, countered this saying 29-year-old Parker could hit hard - but he knew how to move.

Parker's trainer Kevin Barry said the show-down was pivotal for both fighters.

"At this stage in Joe's career we have to not only win this fight but we have to win in a spectacular and convincing fashion," he said.

"We expect to see the very best Junior Fa there is. He has got height and reach on Joe and he is undefeated. He is a big, strong guy."

Barry said what made Fa even more dangerous was winning the fight could be life-changing.

"This is a career-changing fight for Junior Fa."

The Stonewood Homes event at Spark Arena in Auckland will be broadcast to the world.

To see it live visit Ticketmaster