Former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super middleweight champion Maselino Masoe is training John Parker for his fight against Fiji cruiserweight champion Alivereti Kauyaca in Hamilton, New Zealand, tonight. This matchup is for the IBF (International Boxing Federation) Pan Pacific cruiserweight title, with the winner earning a spot in the top 15 of the IBF rankings.
This fight marks Parker’s debut on the international stage and his first pursuit of a major regional title, which is a rarity in New Zealand outside the events organized by Dean Lonergan and Duco Events. The IBF Pan Pacific title is prestigious in New Zealand, with many boxing legends having held it, including Shane Cameron, Jimmy Thunder, Kali Meehan, Maselino Masoe, Sean Sullivan, and more recently, Andrei Mikhailovich.
Parker is also recognized as the younger brother of Joseph Parker, who is currently the fourth-ranked world heavyweight champion. He aims to establish his own identity in the sport and move out of his brother’s shadow.
Kauyaca has gained recognition in Fiji by performing well domestically and progressing in international rankings, reaching the top 100 on Boxrec. However, his journey has faced controversy. Recently, he defended his title against veteran Joseph Kwadjo, winning by unanimous decision but was stripped of his national title due to allegations regarding illegal hand wraps that contained cement plaster. Despite this controversy, his unanimous decision victory was upheld, and he has now been allowed to retain his title.
Following these events, Kauyaca has relocated to New Zealand and signed a 12-month contract with CTP Boxing Promotions, led by Craig Thomson.