24 May 2016

Share this story

Boxing sensation Joseph Parker is coming to Christchurch, with the city securing his next fight as he prepares to challenge for the World Heavyweight title.

Parker will fight Australian veteran Solomon Haumono at Horncastle Area on July 21.

It would be the first time he had fought professionally in the Garden City, which is the home of his boxing mentor, Kevin Barry.

“I have been to Christchurch many times in the past to promote my fights," Parker said. "I have always felt we get the strongest support there compared to any other part of the country, and that includes Auckland.

“I owe it to Kev to fight in his hometown now because I don’t think there’ll be another chance in the future.”

Parker beat French–based Carlos Takam in South Auckland on Saturday night to win the mandatory rights to challenge for the world title, currently held by Britain's Anthony Joshua.

Christchurch City Council events management company Vbase secured the fight this week, with General Manager Darren Burden describing it as a huge coup for the city.

“There has been months of behind the scenes work go in to securing this event and we couldn't be happier to finally see it come to fruition,” Mr Burden said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to work with the highly professional team at Duco events in producing a world-class boxing event, right here in Christchurch.

"To host such an admired and well-regarded professional athlete as Joseph Parker, not to mention a prospective contender for the Heavy Weight Champion of the World title, is an honour and something the whole team here at Vbase is ecstatic about."

Parker’s Christchurch fight against Solomon Haumono will contest the PABA and WBA Oceania Heavyweight titles, and serve as important preparation for his world title challenge.

Vbase said corporate tables would be available through promoter Duco, while general admission tickets would go on Ticketek soon. Those interested were asked to keep a watch on the Vbase Facebook page for more information and on-sale dates. Around 5000 tickets would be available.

Securing a big name boxer capped off an already huge year for Vbase. Horncastle Arena was nearing capacity for the year, with more than 300,000 visitors expected to attend shows this year.

Mr Burden said the year had started off with a bang, with a record breaking 50,000 tickets sold to Cirque du Soleil over 13 performances.

“The continued support of the local community and wider region of the events we host builds a compelling picture for promoters to choose Christchurch as a viable event city.”