Former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super middleweight champion Maselino Masoe is currently training John Parker for tonight’s match against Fiji cruiserweight champion Alivereti Kauyaca in Hamilton, New Zealand. This bout is for the IBF (International Boxing Federation) Pan Pacific cruiserweight title, and the winner will secure a spot in the top 15 of the IBF rankings.
This fight marks Parker’s first international bout, as well as his first opportunity to compete for a major regional title, which is notably rare in New Zealand outside of the familiar events hosted by Dean Lonergan and Duco Events. The IBF Pan Pacific title holds significant value within New Zealand boxing history, with past champions including renowned boxers such as Shane Cameron, Jimmy Thunder, Kali Meehan, Maselino Masoe, Sean Sullivan, and more recently, Andrei Mikhailovich.
Parker is recognized as the younger sibling of fourth-ranked world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker and is eager to carve out his own identity in the sport.
Alivereti Kauyaca has established a strong reputation in Fiji, performing well in domestic competitions and ascending the international rankings, reaching the top 100 on Boxrec. However, he has faced controversy; Kauyaca defended his title against veteran opponent Joseph Kwadjo, winning by unanimous decision, yet he was stripped of the national title amidst allegations of using illegal hand wraps containing cement plaster. Despite this, his unanimous decision victory was upheld. Recently, Kauyaca has been granted approval to retain his title, and he has since relocated to New Zealand to sign a 12-month contract with CTP Boxing Promotions and Craig Thomson.