Joseph Parker rejected ‘stratospheric’ demands to fight Junior Fa in all-New Zealand clash, claims heavyweight’s manager David Higgins
- Joseph Parker had been in talks with Junior Fa over an all-New Zealand fight
- But according to Parker’s manager, Fa’s financial demands were too great
- Higgins questioned whether Fa really wanted to get back in the ring with Parker
Joseph Parker rejected a ‘stratospheric’ demand to fight Junior Fa, according to the New Zealand heavyweight’s manager David Higgins.
Parker had been in talks with Fa’s camp over a fight which would have renewed the pair’s rivalry.
Higgins had worked to schedule a fight in Auckland but had said it all fell apart when Fa asked for too much money.
Joseph Parker had been in talks over an all-New Zealand fight against Junior Fa
Higgins told Sky Sports: ‘Fa is advised, or promoted by Lou DiBella, and my understanding is that the Fa team, which includes Fa, DiBella, and a local manager – the money they want is ridiculous.
‘We’re talking 10 or 20 times his biggest ever purse. Parker would have been willing to fight for less than Fa (requested), and Parker is a former world champion. That’s called pricing yourself out.
‘Fa was looking for far too much, for where they’re at. I guess it’s a mark of respect for Joseph Parker. They are worried about what would happen, frankly.
Fa, according to Parker’s manager David Higgins, made ‘stratospheric’ financial demands
‘Their camp had made noises about fighting Joseph Parker, but they should back up their words. We wouldn’t see them getting nothing either. Fa would get his biggest-ever payday by several multiples by fighting Parker, but their demands were stratospheric, given the current circumstances.
‘I think let’s just give it time and meanwhile we’ll be assessing other options.’
Parker’s last fight ended in victory against American Shawndell Terell Winters in February.