WBA #10 Joseph Parker to face World #15

Boxing promoters Duco Events have responded to Joseph Parker entering the WBA’s world top 10 by changing theKFC Fight for Life main event at Claudelands on December 6.

The demands from fans for a younger, tougher opponent have been listened to and Parker will now face WBO World number 15 Irineu Costa Beato Junior instead of American Vinny Maddalone.

It makes the bout the highest world ranked heavyweight fight ever staged in New Zealand with Beato undoubtedly thehardest puncher Parker will have ever faced.

The 6’3” Brazilian is a knockout specialist KOing 13 of his 15 opponents at a percentage of more than 80 percent.

11 of those knockouts have come inside the first two rounds.

His only loss is against world number nine Christian Hammer who he travelled to Germany to face losing on points.

Adding to the fight’s credibility, Beato is also in his prime at 34 years old.

“This fight without a doubt will be Joseph’s toughest test to date,” says respected international matchmaker, Stuart Duncan.

“Beato is bigger than Sherman and Minto and punches harder than both of them.”

Parker’s trainer Kevin Barry says this is a “risk versus reward” fight.

“Everyone knows the last time Joe fought a tall Brazilian (Nascimento in Germany April 2014) he got his ear drum busted.

“We were expecting an easier lead up to Christmas but have struggled attracting many of the top 15 rated guys and when one comes along we’ve got to take the fight, even if it is at a month’s notice.”

Beato is the second top 15 world rated opponent Parker will face this year after beating WBO number 12 Brian Minto in July.

Limited tickets are still available at ticketek.co.nz