Kiwi-born American veteran to front-up for Nyika in NZ main event

Junior Fa to replace Joseph Parker against Hemi Ahio after Parker withdraws due to injury

Aucklander Joseph Parker withdrew from the November 12 NZ heavyweight title fight against Hemi Ahio due to injury. Fortunately, Kiwi-born, American veteran Junior 'The Demolition Man' Fa will step into the ring as Ahio's opponent.

The 32-year-old Fa fought the likes of Joseph Parker, Devin Vargas, and Lucas Browne. He won the WBO Oriental heavyweight title in 2019. Most recently, Fa defeated Devin Vargas via unanimous decision in July 2022.

Fa's boxing record stands at 21 wins (12 KOs), 1 loss, and 1 draw. In comparison, Ahio has 19 wins (15 KOs) and 5 losses as a professional.

Ahead of his November bout, Ahio told TVNZ, "I'm just going to be ready for 12 hard rounds. I'm expecting the best Junior Fa. I'm going to bring the best Hemi Ahio." Ahio is looking to become New Zealand's first Maori heavyweight boxing champion.

Duco Events director David Higgins said Fa is "a serious handful for anyone". "He's a world-ranked fighter and certainly the biggest challenge of Hemi Ahio's career," Higgins added.