Woodstock Honey Fight For Life

Woodstock Honey Fight For Life

New Zealand boxer Richard Tutaki is on a Woodstock Honey Fight for Life collision course with history as he plots the downfall of wonderkid Joseph Parker.

Parker – widely regarded as the best New Zealand boxing prospect since David Tua won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics – will do what Sonny Bill Williams refused to do when he fronts up against ‘The Tutaki Express’ at The Trusts Arena on Saturday December 15.

Sonny Bill William’s camp pulled out of their scheduled NZ Professional Boxing Association bout with the 34 year old in February and instead opted for an out-of-shape Clarence Tillman.

It means Parker and Tutaki join an all-star cast of sports personalities set to rumble at the Woodstock Honey Fight for Life.

The event – which pits Aussies against Kiwis – and leagueys against rugby stars - has already garnered much media attention with the likes of NRL and New South Wales Origin stars Paul Gallen and Greg Bird, along with former Kangaroo Willie Mason and Warriors superstar Manu Vatuvei all set to make their boxing debuts on the night.

They will take on a rugby team which boasts four men who have worn the famous All Blacks jersey – Troy Flavell, Rene Ranger, Hika Elliott and Carlos Spencer.

But the final fight of the night will be the clash of the New Zealand heavyweights and Tutaki is thrilled to be involved after he was left high and dry and robbed of a chance to show his wears in front of a national audience – something he is determined to put right in 10 days times.

And he is adamant he will handle the occasion at The Trusts Arena better than Parker.

“He’s never been on this type of stage before,” Tutaki said.

“He had the fight against Dean Garmonsway (on the undercard of Monte Barrett v Shane Cameron) but that wasn’t the main event.

“This time he’s in the spotlight.

“All the hype and pressure just might get to him once he is in that ring with all of New Zealand watching.

“I’ve been there done that. I’ve had over 40 fights. This will be his third.

“I learnt a long time ago that hype counts for nothing once you are inside those ropes.

“He’s about to learn that lesson.”

Parker has had two fights since his announcement mid-year that he was turning professional.

The first was a first round TKO win against Dean Garmonsway in July before last month’s second round TKO of Terry Tuteru – his first bout under the Duco Events’ banner whom he has inked a six year promotional deal with.

While admitting being matched with Tutaki is a big step up in level of opponent, Parker said he has no fear of the spotlight.

“As boxers we all know where we want to get to – the bigger the occasion the better,” he said.

“Richard can talk all he wants but I know that counts for nothing.

“I’d rather we do our talking with our hands and fists in the ring.”

Parker is sure to be noticeably quicker and more agile in the ring following his on-going work with master personal trainer Lee Parore, former WBA world middleweight champion Maselino Masoe and his father Dempsey Parker.

“I’m fitter and I’m stronger,” he said. “I’m still a work in progress – I have a long way to go, obviously. But I feel like I am making the right steps forward.

“Richard Tutaki is a good fighter. He’s had some good fights. I will need to be ready come the Woodstock Honey Fight for Life. And I will be.”

EVENT DETAILS

Broadcast Live on pay-per-view SKY ARENA

Book www.sky.co.nz/arena or by remote or Phone 0800 759-758

For corporate table tickets www.duco.co.nz

For GA tickets www.ticketmaster.co.nz or www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Who is behind Fight for Life?

EVENT PROMOTER: DUCO EVENTS

The “promoter” of Fight for Life, is Duco Events which will financially underwrite Fight for Life and will pay for the multi-million dollar expense of staging the event. In consideration for the risk, effort and expense, Duco Events will retain commercial revenue, including ticket sales, sponsorships and broadcast fees, and will retain any profits after all expenses are paid, with the exception of net fund raising proceeds which will accrue 100% to the charity recipient.

CHARITY RECIPIENT: THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION

As “charity recipient” for Fight for Life, the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s objective is to raise awareness of the need for men to be tested for prostate cancer. In line with this objective, Fight for Life is expected to generate publicity for the Prostate Cancer Foundation valued at several million dollars. Further, the Prostate Cancer Foundation is expected to receive over $100,000 cash from Fight for Life including 100% of net fund raising proceeds derived from auctions, pledge draws, raffles and donations.

ENDS

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