David Higgins, manager for former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, is hoping that their increased off will get a deal finalized for the New Zealand grudge fight with unbeaten Junior Fa.
For several months, Fa and his handlers rejected an offer of a $300,000 guarantee with a share of the pay-per-view.
That offer has no been increased, pursuant to the financial demands from the Fa camp. And Higgins is not planning to make the offer any higher.
Parker has apparently agreed to take less money in order to get the deal done with Fa.
"We've gone the extra mile and we've guaranteed Junior Fa and his side a minimum $500,000 and with a share on top," Parker's promoter David Higgins tells Newshub.
"It is the final offer. It's over the odds. It's probably 20 times Junior Fa's biggest ever pay day. It's an honour and a privilege for Junior to cash in on his career to date against Joseph Parker…. if a fear of losing isn't at play he would take the money, win the fight, move on. There really is no excuse now other than to step up and bank the money. Who needs it more? Junior. Because he needs the money."
While a date in October had been mentioned, it appears November and December are more realistic for the contest.
"I'd encourage [Fa] not to call my bluff because I've taken October off the table. So now it pushes out if it is going to happen," says Higgins.
"And so we're quite serious. We know the numbers. We've done the biggest shows in New Zealand and we know the values. The offer on the table is better than fair, and if they run the time down we'll take the offer on the table again. Don't stuff up the opportunity in front of you and forever regret it."
