By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com has been advised by Kevin Barry, trainer of #1 IBF rated heavyweight contender Joseph Parker (19-0), that they will leave for New Zealand on Thursday July 7th in advance of their July 21st showdown against Solomon Haumono (24-2-2). The fight will be Parker's third of the year and takes place at the Horncastle Arena in Christchurch.
In his last fight, Parker faced his stiffest test as a professional and won a 12 round decision against Carlos Takam. With the victory Parker became the IBF mandatory contender.
The IBF recently announced that their champion Anthony Joshua (17-0 17 KOs) must face Parker by January 9th, 2017. Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn recently stated that Joshua will return to the ring in November and that Parker is a leading candidate to be the opponent provided he gets past Haumono.
Parker's stablemate and sparring partner Izuagbe Ugonoh (15-0) will also be on the card against an opponent that will be announced in the near future.
IN OTHER NEWS: Rising star Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Fort Myers Miracle’s 6:05 pm showdown against the Dunedin Blue Jays Saturday, July 9 at Hammond Stadium.
Living and fighting out of Fort Myers, FL, Perrella burst onto the national scene by scoring a second round stoppage of previously unbeaten David Grayton June 4 on ESPN. Perrella, 14-0 (13 KO’s), followed his victory with a memorable post fight interview where he emphatically stated he’s ready to fight the best in the welterweight division.
Outside of the ring Perrella is literally a good fella, living a clean lifestyle while giving back to the community by participating in different charitable causes.
“I’m excited to be able to come out and support a great local organization,” said Perrella. “I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to meet and greet the fans too."
A Minnesota Twins affiliate, the Miracle are excited about having Perrella and recognize him as a local rising star.
“It’s nice to honor one of the community’s up and comers,” Miracle GM Andrew Seymour said of Perrella.
After throwing the ceremonial first pitch, Perrella will be available to take photos, sign autographs and chat with those in attendance.
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