Boxing: Parker's star Apia-rance

Joseph Parker, who is of Samoan descent, takes time out near Apia from his promotional duties.

Rising heavyweight boxing star Joseph Parker's plan to fight in Samoa will be confirmed at a press conference in Apia today.

The 23-year-old Kiwi, who is now ranked the seventh best heavyweight on the planet by the World Boxing Organisation, will take on a yet-to-be-named opponent on January 23.

The event, which Parker's promoter Duco Events says was inspired by the All Blacks' historic first test match on the island earlier this year, has attracted significant backing from Samoa's public and private sectors.

Tagged the Rumble in Paradise, the event will take place at a 1000-seat indoor venue in Apia's sports precinct.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi is expected to officially confirm the country's first major international boxing promotion at a press conference at the country's Tourism Authority fale this morning.

"A tremendous amount of work has gone in to get it to this point," Duco director David Higgins said. "Samoa has never had a globally televised boxing event featuring a top-10-ranked fighter, so this is a huge event for the nation."

Parker arrived in Apia on Tuesday and has been doing promotional work ahead of the announcement.

"There is a real buzz about the fight already here in Apia," Higgins said. "Joseph can't walk three steps down the street without being asked for a photo. He's a huge star and it's great the Samoan people will get a chance to see him in action." Staff reporter