Joseph Parker v Junior Fa: expert picks

Joseph Parker and Junior Fa square off in New Zealand’s biggest boxing event in more than a decade.

We’ve tracked down some of the best boxing minds in the business to give you the inside word on which fighter has the best chance of winning tonight.

Shane “Mountain Warrior” Cameron (former heavyweight champion)

Probably Parker

“On paper, Joseph should have a lot of experience for Junior. He’s had a lot of big fights now. Junior has had 19, but against an opponent of different caliber. That’s on paper. It’s all at night though.”

Lance Revill (Commonwealth Games medalist, boxing icon)

Maybe Fa in points

“I have refined both [and] Fa can really box. If you get your jab, you can win. The problem is, he is trained by a kickboxer … sports are very different. Kickboxers jump a lot, which doesn’t help their hitting power. It will go to the end. “

Chris Mirams (boxing journalist)

Parker by KO, ninth round

“It’s a mismatch. Parker is too experienced and his punch is too powerful. Parker’s worst opponent in recent times, Hughie Fury, is way ahead of Fa’s best opponent. Fa is lucky to get a payday like this. “.

Daniella Smith – Former IBF World Champion

Parker to win

“I think Joseph will have too much experience as a professional fighter for Junior. Parker has boxed top-notch fighters and I know firsthand that he has trained the house for this fight.”

Patrick McKendry (sports writer)

Parker by TKO, maybe already in the fifth round

“At some point in the intervening rounds, Parker will catch Fa, hurt him, and quickly follow up, forcing the referee to stop him.”

Liam Napier (New Zealand Herald)

Parker in the fifth

“Joseph Parker has fought a much higher class of opposition. Fa’s mysterious disease sounds like it could be a significant handicap.”

Dylan Cleaver (New Zealand Herald)

Parker in the third

“Parker is too experienced in the big moments and he’s angry enough to make an opening statement.”