Joseph Parker will meet Carlos Takam in an IBF Heavyweight elimination bout on May 21st in New Zealand, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
“Parker versus Takam on May 21 will be undoubtedly the most significant boxing event ever staged in New Zealand,” Duco Events promoter Dean Lonergan said. “Over the last seven years, we have staged a number of big boxing events both here and overseas so we have no doubt we can deliver a world-class event, with the eyes of the world watching.”
“To have the fight in South Auckland is very exciting for me,” Parker, who is training in Las Vegas, told ESPN.com. “I’ve grown up there my whole life and it’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my growing skills in front of my supporters, who have been there from the start. I wouldn’t want to have this fight anywhere else. It’s given me the extra motivation to train harder.”
“This is a massive achievement by our promotions team, Duco Events, to secure the IBF world title eliminator for New Zealand,” Kevin Barry, Parker’s trainer said. “We have developed excellent systems that have proved to be successful for Joe over the last three years. It’s great we can keep this winning formula in place for the biggest fight of Joseph Parker’s career.”
Said Christian Cherchi, Takam’s promoter: “It will be the biggest challenge for Parker because he hasn’t fought someone like Takam. I think Carlos Takam can knock Joseph Parker out. We tried to have this fight in Paris, so having this fight in New Zealand is an advantage for Parker. It is a winnable but tough fight.”
