Former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker (31-3, 21KOs), marks his return on May 24th in Melbourne, Australia following his knockout defeat to Joe Joyce in September of last year.
Parker will face Faiga Opelu (15-3-2, 11KOs), which will see the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title up for grabs with the contest scheduled for twelve rounds. The bout will be promoted by promotional entity No Limit Boxing, with the Margret Court Arena acting as the venue for the contest.Joseph Parker's Journey to His First Professional Fight in Australia
Parker will box for the first time as a professional fighter in Australia following many years boxing in his native New Zealand before his career took him to the United Kingdom as he faced the likes of Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora and Joe Joyce in recent years on British soil. The former WBO world heavyweight champion would begin his reign in 2016 as he defeated Andy Ruiz to claim the then-vacant title with a narrow points win. Two defences of his title followed against Ravzan Cojanu and Hughie Fury before his reign ended in 2018 against Anthony Joshua in a unification fight at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Opelu recently challenged for the vacant Commonwealth title earlier this year against Kris Terzievski. However, that contest was ruled a no-contest after three rounds because Terzievski sustained an injury from Opelu falling on him following a knockdown. Opelu, in 2021, fought Lucas Browne and lost via knockout to the former WBA title holder.Parker speaking regarding the announcement, is excited to contest the Commonwealth title, highlighting that the title has been held by several prestigious names in the heavyweight division, along with finally boxing in Australia. “I’m very excited to be heading to Australia to headline a massive fight. I’ve been to Australia numerous times and the amount of support there is amazing and everyone is always so welcoming.”
