Boxing: Joseph Parker and Junior Fa face off after the announcement of the new fight date

The highly successful fight between Joseph Parker and Junior Fa will continue on the new date of February 27, and both fighters promise to be in top form.

Previously scheduled for December, the fight was postponed after blood tests revealed Fa was suffering from a health problem that required the 19-0 undefeated prospect to undergo surgery.

Speaking at today’s press conference, Fa did not reveal the nature of the health issue, saying it was “personal,” but said he will be in the best shape he has been for the February fight.

Meanwhile, Parker revealed that he underwent surgeries on both elbows in December and was training with injuries before the original date.

“I’m going to be much better in February, stronger, faster,” Parker said.

Follow the action summary below or watch the full press conference above.

A new date for the highly successful showdown was confirmed last week, with the world-ranked Kiwi heavyweights meeting at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday 27th February.

Previously scheduled for December, the fight was postponed after blood tests revealed Fa was suffering from a health problem that required the 19-0 undefeated prospect to undergo surgery.

The official event doctor designated for the fight, Dr. Dave Renata, confirmed that Fa would recover in time.

“Junior’s surgery was a success and he is well and truly on track to be fully fit and in very good health by the rescheduled date of February 27,” said Renata.

Parker’s advisor, David Higgins of Duco Events, was pleased that the rescheduled date could be confirmed.

“While the postponement of the fight was disappointing, the most important thing is that both fighters are in their prime, and there are no excuses, when they step into the ring,” Higgins said.

Higgins pointed to the record-breaking 2009 showdown between David Tua and Shane Cameron, which was also delayed after Cameron broke his hand during a set-up fight.

“Interest only grew during the delay and the fight continued to set viewership records that still stand today,” Higgins said.

“And we all saw what happened when a clearly very frustrated David Tua finally got a chance to unleash his fury.”

Former WBO champion and No. 3 contender Parker confirmed that he was eager to ease pent-up frustration in what will now be a summer showdown between the amateur former stars.

“We had been working really hard to make sure I peaked in December and delivered a performance that would have made the heavyweight division sit up and take notice,” Parker said.

“So it was very disappointing when Junior had to put it off. But these things happen in boxing. The good thing is that Junior is now on track to be 100 percent fit and ready to start in February. I wouldn’t want it any other way. . “

Fa, ranked No. 6 by the WBO and No. 11 by the IBF, is eager to put his health problem behind him and prepare for the biggest fight of his career.

“It’s never ideal when these things happen, however, I am happy and relieved to confirm that I am now well and truly back on track,” Fa said.

“I’ve been looking forward to this fight for a long time, so having a set date again is great.

“Joseph Parker has had a world title before, so when I defeat him, I will be one giant step closer to realizing my own dream.”

Fa’s manager Mark Keddell said his fighter was fully focused on being at his best on February 27.

“The fact is, Junior would not have received a medical clearance to fight in December so there is no point wasting more time and energy on that,” Keddell said.

“We have solved the problem and we move on. Junior is now in very good physical and mental shape. If there is any persistent frustration from Duco and Joseph Parker, that is their problem. Hopefully, this will all be fixed in the sound of 11 weeks. And then Higgins can really experience what disappointment feels like. “

All existing corporate and general admission tickets remain valid for the new date.