Samoan government reported to contribute almost $140,000 to Joseph Parker title fight

The Samoan government will reportedly contribute to Joseph Parker's world title fight against Andy Ruiz Jr after the NZ government and Auckland Council both declined funding. Photo / Photosport

The Samoan government will reportedly contribute almost $140,000 to Joseph Parker's world title fight in Auckland next month.

It comes after the New Zealand government and Auckland Council both declined funding for the fight against Andy Ruiz Jr at Vector Arena on December 10.

One News reported the Samoan government would contribute US$100,000 (about $137,000) to the fight, along with other commercial sponsors.

The broadcaster said fight promoters Duco Events had approached the Pacific nation's government to sponsor the fight.

In return, Samoa will be advertised as a tourist destination during the fight, One News reported.

Duco director David Higgins did not confirm the sponsorship deal, but One News reported a source as saying the Samoan government had agreed to the sponsorship deal today.