Other Sport
Kiwi agrees to fight Botha
2013-02-26 07:39
Sydney - Rising Kiwi heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker and controversial South
African Francois Botha have ''agreed to terms'' for a fight in May in
New Zealand.
According to the
stuff.co.nz website, it's a fight that has led to Parker's manager, Sir Bob Jones,
quitting over the suitability of pitching the youngster against Botha,
especially after Botha's recent controversy-filled fight with Sonny Bill
Williams in Australia.
Parker is now searching for a specialist sports management company to handle his affairs.
But Parker's promoters, Duco Events, are going ahead with a Botha
fight, believing Botha will draw attention while also presenting the
necessary lift in opposition for the 21-year-old New Zealander.
''We are dealing with Botha's representative and have agreed terms.
We have been talking to them for a few weeks now. We just need to get
the contract squared away'' said David Higgins, of Duco Events.
Auckland or Hamilton are likely venues.
Higgins said the 44-year-old Botha ''ticked all the boxes'' from a promotional perspective.
While Botha's loss to Williams was dogged by allegations of
match-fixing, doping and bribery, Higgins believed the veteran had shown
he could still box.
''We respect Sir Bob and his opinions. He is a bit of a purist when
it comes to opponent selection, looking at the technicalities,'' Higgins
said. ''We, as well as looking at that side of it, also look at the
promotional side.
''Obviously there is a show business, entertainment element and to
have a really big show which enables us to pay Joseph the big purse, we
need to tick the entertainment, showmanship type box as well as look for
a quality opponent. I think Mr Botha ticks both of those boxes.''
Botha will be a constant presence in Kiwi boxing circles this year.
He and Williams have reportedly agreed to a rematch in South Africa in
December.