Joseph Parker Vs. Junior Fa: Odds, Records, Prediction

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – DECEMBER 15: Joseph Parker punches Alexander Flores during the heavy … [+] weight bout between Joseph Parker and Alexander Flores at Horncastle Arena on December 15, 2018 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

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Joseph Parker vs. Junior Fa isn’t only about an undefeated prospect facing off against a former heavyweight titlist, and it’s not only about that former belt-holder trying to claw his way back to another title shot. It’s also perhaps the most important bout between two New Zealanders ever.  “We’re two guys from South Auckland, we’re the main event and it’s going to [be broadcast in] 180 countries,” Parker said, via the New Zealand Herald. “That’s like a dream.” Here’s everything you need to know about Joseph Parker vs. Junior Fa, including the odds, their records and a prediction on who will win.

Arguably more important than the battle between Kiwis David Tua and Shane Cameron in 2009, Saturday’s matchup features Parker, who defended his world title twice before losing it to Anthony Joshua in 2019 and who is looking to get back to relevance in the heavyweight division. Fa has never reached the heights of Parker, something he plans to accomplish by first beating his countryman.

“I’ve been looking forward to this fight for a long time now,” Fa said. “Joseph Parker has held a world title before, so when I beat him, I’ll be a giant step closer to realizing my own dream.”

The two were supposed to meet in December, but Fa had to postpone the fight after undergoing surgery. Now, though, he’s healthy. And Parker is ready.

“We’d been working really hard to ensure I peaked in December and delivered a performance that would have made the heavyweight division sit up and take notice,” Parker said. “So it was very disappointing when Junior had to postpone. But these things happen in boxing. The good thing is that Junior is now on track to be 100% fit and ready to go in February. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Here’s more info on the Joseph Parker vs. Junior Fa showdown that U.S. viewers can watch on DAZN on Saturday at about 4:30 a.m. ET (U.K. viewers will see it at approximately 9:30 a.m., and New Zealanders can watch it at about 10:30 p.m.).

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – OCTOBER 06: Joseph Parker (L) and Junior Fa (R) pose during a media … [+] opportunity ahead of the Joseph Parker v Junior Fa match in December, at Spark City on October 06, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Getty Images Joseph Parker vs. Junior Fa odds

Parker is a huge favorite, despite the fact Fa is undefeated and has shown some promise. Parker is -900, meaning you’d have to bet $900 to win $100, while Fa is a +600 underdog, which means you’d win $600 on a $100 wager. Parker’s money line is way too high to bet, but I think there’s some value in putting money on a Fa upset. I think Parker will win, but 9/1 is a step too far for me. Betting the over-under of 10.5 rounds could make sense. The over is -120, and the under is -110.

If you were looking for a fun parlay for this weekend’s action of boxing (and this is only my opinion and not a recommendation), I might take the over of 10.5 rounds for Parker vs. Fa at -120, Canelo Alvarez knocking out Avni Yildirim in rounds 4-6 on DAZN at +162, and the under of 8.5 rounds on Zhilei Zhang vs. Jerry Forrest at +120 on DAZN. That would pay out at more than 9/1.

Joseph Parker vs. Junior Fa records

Though he’s two years younger than Fa, Parker (27-2, 22 KOs) is the experienced one here. He’s faced and lost to Joshua and Dillian Whyte, but he also has victories against Andy Ruiz, Carlos Takam and Hughie Fury. Those high-level fights are a big positive for Parker.

Fa is 19-0 with 10 KOs, but he only has two recognizable names on his resume. In 2019, Fa beat Dominick Guinn, a formerly once solid contender who is far past his prime, by unanimous decision, and in his last fight, he decisioned former prospect Devin Vargas. But Parker is a huge step up for Fa, and considering Fa doesn’t have a ton of punching power and considering Parker has a good chin, I don’t see Fa knocking out his opponent.

Joseph Parker vs. Junior Fa prediction

Parker will never be the best heavyweight in the division, but he’s been somewhere in the No. 5 to No. 7 range for the past few years now. We know he’s a good, solid heavyweight who can win a title against the right opponent. We don’t know how Fa will fare against elite competition, but at this point, I don’t see him beating Parker. I’d go with Parker by unanimous decision, somewhere in the 116-112 range.

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