Former WBO world super middleweight champion Maselino Masoe is now coaching John Parker for tonight’s match against Fiji cruiserweight champion Alivereti Kauyaca in Hamilton, New Zealand. This bout is for the IBF Pan Pacific cruiserweight title, and the victor will have an opportunity to enter the top 15 of the IBF rankings.
This fight marks not only Parker’s debut on the international stage but also his first attempt at a significant regional title, which is uncommon in New Zealand aside from the typical events organized by Dean Lonergan and Duco Events.
The IBF Pan Pacific title holds considerable prestige in New Zealand, with numerous esteemed boxers such as Shane Cameron, Jimmy Thunder, Kali Meehan, Maselino Masoe, Sean Sullivan, and more recently, Andrei Mikhailovich having claimed it.
Parker is recognized as the younger brother of Joseph Parker, who is currently ranked fourth in the world heavyweight division. He is determined to establish his identity and break free from his brother’s shadow.
Kauyaca has gained recognition in Fiji, successfully climbing the domestic and international rankings, even reaching the top 100 on Boxrec. However, his journey has included some controversy. He recently defended his title against veteran boxer Joseph Kwadjo, winning by unanimous decision, but lost the national title due to allegations concerning illegal hand wraps that reportedly contained cement plaster. Despite the title being stripped, his victory by unanimous decision remained valid.
The situation has since changed, and Kauyaca has been reinstated as the title holder. Following this, he has relocated to New Zealand and signed a one-year contract with CTP Boxing Promotions, led by Craig Thomson.