Former WBO super middleweight champion Maselino Masoe is now coaching John Parker as he prepares for his fight against Fiji cruiserweight champion Alivereti Kauyaca in Hamilton, New Zealand. This match is for the IBF Pan Pacific cruiserweight title, and the winner will have the opportunity to enter the top 15 of the IBF rankings.
This bout marks Parker’s first international appearance and his initial pursuit of a major regional title, a rare opportunity in New Zealand apart from the events typically organized by Dean Lonergan and Duco Events. The IBF Pan Pacific title holds significant prestige, having been held by notable New Zealand boxers like Shane Cameron, Jimmy Thunder, Kali Meehan, Maselino Masoe, Sean Sullivan, and Andrei Mikhailovich in recent years.
John Parker, known as the younger brother of fourth-ranked heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, is striving to establish his own identity in the boxing world and step out of his brother’s shadow. Kauyaca has gained recognition in Fiji for his domestic performances and has improved his standing in international rankings, reaching the top 100 on Boxrec.
Kauyaca faced controversy after defending his title against veteran boxer Joseph Kwadjo, where he won by unanimous decision. However, allegations arose regarding illegal hand wraps containing cement plaster, resulting in the loss of his national title, although the decision from the fight remained unchanged. Recently, a reversal was made, allowing Kauyaca to retain his title.
Following this, Kauyaca relocated to New Zealand and signed a one-year contract with CTP Boxing Promotions under Craig Thomson.