Boxing star attacked by trio in Apia club

Joseph Parker was punched in the head and scratched in the face.

Heavyweight boxing contender Joseph Parker was the victim of a nightclub assault while holidaying in Samoa.

Parker was punched in the head and had his face scratched when attacked by two men and a woman after posing for photographs with fans at the Club X nightclub in Apia on December 29.

A rising star who has been tipped to one day challenge for a world title, Parker received medical treatment for bruises and scratches to his face. He made a statement to Samoan police, and was told his attackers were subsequently arrested.

The 21-year-old New Zealand heavyweight champion was attacked after being separated from his cousins at the club, owned by relatives.

Shortly after he posed for photos with a brother and sister, the sister became abusive.

"The sister just started causing trouble out of nowhere, saying that I was a rude dude, saying that I think I am all that because I am a boxer. I said 'how was I ever rude'? That was pretty random."

Parker said he asked the pair to leave the nightclub.

"Her brother started trying to argue with me and then her husband came in trying to argue with me. While I was talking to the husband the brother came from the side and punched my eye. I went to grab him and hold him then the husband jumped in and started punching. Then the wife jumped in and started scratching my face."

Parker, who has won six of his seven pro fights by knockout, said he didn't retaliate at all. After the attack his parents took him to the police station to make a statement.

"After that we just left it in the cops' hands. All I heard was that they got picked up and thrown into prison. I think they are waiting for their court case next week."