Junior Fa

Junior Fa
Statistics
Real name Uaine Fa Jr.
Weight(s) Heavyweight
Height 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)
Reach 210 cm (83 in)
Nationality New Zealander
Born (1989-10-19) 19 October 1989
Papakura, New Zealand
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 12
Wins 12
Wins by KO 7
Losses 0

Junior Fa (born 19 October 1989) is a New Zealand professional boxer. As an amateur he represented Tonga at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze medal in the super-heavyweight division; he also represented Tonga at the Oceania Championships, winning gold and multiple silver medals. As of February 2017, Fa is ranked as the world's 72nd best heavyweight by BoxRec, and currently boasts a 64% knockout-to-win ratio.

Fa had a successful amateur career, from beating Joseph Parker to competing at consecutive Commonwealth Games and Oceania Championships. A former New Zealand national champion, Fa made his professional debut in 2016 when he defeated Richard Tutaki in a first-round knockout.

Amateur career

Fa began his amateur career under the guidance for much of his career by coach Lolo Heimuli. Heimuli brought Fa back to his Balmoral Lee Gar Gym in 2006 after discovering his coach failed to show at his first amateur fight. Being born and raised in Papakura, New Zealand, Fa decided to represent Tonga as an amateur. He was the flag bearer for Tonga at two Commonwealth Games.

At the Oceania Championships, Fa featured in three consecutive events. In 2008, he won silver. Hosted in Apia, Samoa, the winner would progress on and qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He began with a points decision over New Zealand senior North Island champion, Isikeli Maama in the quarter-finals. He followed up with another victory over Australian Steven Rudic before losing out to Daniel Beahan on points in the final to gain silver.[1] 2010 seen Fa return home with a gold medal, from the tournament held in Canberra. He controlled an emphatic win over the host nations, Alexey Mukhin. Establishing himself a 8–1 score in his favor.[2] He again had a chance to make it to the Olympics. Having to win an Oceania gold medal to secure a nomination, he instead won sliver. Fa started off with a close win over New Zealand up and coming prospect and rival, Joseph Parker. He continued his winning path with a first-round technical knockout over Jubilee Arama in the semi-finals but lost the final against Johan Linde to settle for second place.[3]

Fa was drafted for two seasons of the World Series of Boxing. His first season was with the Indian Mumbai Fighters Franchise as a mid season sign up for the 2011–12 season. He had a successful season and was ranked in the top 8 heavyweights for the seriers. His second season was during 2012–13 where he was drafted by the British Lionhearts and he fought the likes of Oleksandr Usyk and former multiple olympic silver medalist, Clemente Russo. He was based in Sheffield, England training alongside the likes of Anthony Joshua and Joe Joyce. That wasn't his first encounter with Joshua though, he first trained with Joshua back in mid 2011 when Joshua was just starting out.

Fa vs. Parker

Fa and Joseph won their four amateur fights two wins each. They both fought for the first time at the 2009 Boxing New Zealand National Championships held in Rotorua. The pair meet in the super-weight final, before Junior Fa defeated Parker 8–4. Fa was also awarded the Bill O'Connor Cup for the youngest senior titleholder.[4] The following month, Parker forced a second round standing eight count and a points win over well-performed Fa in a Samoan Tsunami Boxing appeal event at the North Shore Events Centre, organized by David Tua.[5] On June 12, they would fight again in an amateur world class contest rematch. Showcasing as the main event at The Night of the Young Champions from ABA Stadium in 2010.[6] This time Joseph won by a large margin of twelve points.

In their fourth encounter, Fa and Parker fought in a do-or-die opportunity to secure a place at the Olympics during the Oceania Boxing Championships in Canberra, 2012.[7] Parker had four opponents in the super-heavyweight division, one being Fa. Parker was eliminated, Fa claiming a closely fought three-round encounter 11–8. He dropped the first round 2–1 but came back strongly in the second to secure a decisive 3-point lead that he protected when the final three-minute joust ended in stalemate.[8]

Professional career

Early beginnings

Fa turned pro in February 2016, where he featured at The Night of the Freaks from ASB Stadium, Auckland. After taking three years out of the sport to have a family, Fa decide to return to the sport. Assembling an impressive team, Lolo Heimuli as coach, former New Zealand Olympic sprinter Mark Keddell as manager, Shane Cameron as mentor along with input from strength and conditioning guru Angus Ross.[9] Fa fought veteran Richard Tutaki, winning in a first-round knockout.[10] Something Fa's amateur rivial, Joseph Parker couldn't do as it took him three rounds in his third bout. In only his second professional fight, Fa was added to the Taranaki Explosion Fight Night card on April 2.[11] Fa showing he was far too good for Clint Foa'i whose corner threw the towel in during the first round after their fighter was hit hard in the ribs, his pain obvious.[12] Fa fought in quick succession after another successful victory over Australian based Jayson Aloese, participating in the Royal Rampage event. Aloese whom was undefeated as both a corporate boxer and a professional, lost on points in a four-round fight by unanimous decision.[13] Fa remained unbeaten, extending his record to four an zero. In the co-main event, New Zealand prospect Fa won his second unanimous points victory in a one-sided contest against fellow New Zealander Junior Pati. Fa landing big punches and huge shots, but could not end the fight early with Pati being remarkably durable.[14] Fa also switched coaches, learning off Henry Schuster.

Progressing to five straight victories, Fa added another win to his professional record, knocking out his debuting countryman Tussi Asafo in the first round.[15] The fight took place at ABA Stadium, listed as the main event at FA WARS: The Force Awakens. In the buildup to the bout, Fa injured his leg which hindered his training two weeks prior the fight. He then fought American Samoan heavyweight Alapati A'asa on Joseph Parker's undercard against Alexander Dimitrenko. Fa used his significant reach advantage effectively, keeping busy with his jab to frustrate A'asa who struggled to get on the inside. Although A'asa kept busy with his stalking style but found few inroads against Fa's defense which included some great footwork to get out of troubling situations.[16] Sustaining an unbeaten record, Fa once again finished with another early first-round knockout. The co-main event at CTP's Judgement Day, Fa fought Junior Maletino Iakopo, however the fight endend quickly after Fa's power finished Iakopo early.[17]

Closing in on Fa's debut year as a professional, he featured once again on one of New Zealand's most promising boxing events, The Big Bash. Hosted by Auckland Netball Centre in Auckland and broadcast on TV3. Originally scheduled to fight Daniel Tai for the vacant NZPBA heavyweight title, but due to Tai's hand injury, the title bout was called off. Instead Fa fought in a four rounder against Moe Hussain. A former kickboxer, with a record of ten wins and six losses, took the fight on short notice. Fa destroyed his opponent, the quickest fight of the night, ending in thirty seconds within the first round by technical knockout.[18] With details of the undercard revealed for Joseph Parker's world title bout against Andy Ruiz, Fa was announced set to square off against Argentina's Pablo Matías Magrini, being Fa's toughest fight of his career. With eight fights since turning professional. Fa, was keen to showcase his skills with Top Rank's Bob Arum, one of many global promoters that watched on.[19] But Fa was to strong, thumping Magrini with a third-round technical knockout, felling the diminutive Argentinian with a series of left-hand body blows.[20]

Career breakout

Late January 2017, it was announced Fa had agreed to terms signing a three-year deal, which included clauses for a possible fourth under the tutledge of Lou DiBella. DiBella, a former boss of HBO's Boxing set up and looking after seventy fighters, including WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, where Fa would be joining him as DiBella's only other heavyweight fighter. The deal would see him fight at least three times in the United States per year, flying over fifteen days before every bout.[21] His first challenge would be on the undercard of Wilder's title defense against Gerald Washington on February 25 at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Taking on American journeyman Keith Barr over six rounds.[22]

Fa won his fight against Keith Barr, of Glenville, West Virginia, en route to a third-round knockout. Barr was knocked down three times before the fight was stopped by the referee. He beat down his opponent with left jab-right combinations time and again. He dropped Barr, in the second round and hammered him around the ring for most of the round. In the third round, he landed at will, connecting with about two dozen unanswered punches before a left hook to the body dropped Barr to a knee. Moments later, Fa landed another body shot for another knockdown, and referee Flynn Gerald waved off the fight at 2 minutes, 36 seconds. The win improved Fa's undefeated record to ten wins.[23]

In March, Fa prepared for the vacant New Zealand Professional Boxing Association heavyweight title against Daniel Tai, at the ABA Stadium in Auckland. It would be his first title shot. Tai, an Auckland-based fighter, had been fighting professionally since the year 2000, whilst he boast a record of 22 wins and 9 losses. With only one loss coming from knockout, in 2001, by legendary Australian champion Danny Green.[24] With the title being vacant for almost five years and last held by Sonny Bill Williams, this was Fa's most difficult fight of his career to note as he was hampered by a back injury and forced to live off the jab. Tai applied pressure and landed several clean blows throughout the bout Tai, however Fa did enough to win most of the rounds. The judges were divided however, with one judge scoring a draw in a disappointing majority decision win to Fa.[25]

Fa won his twelfth pro-fight after defeating veteran Australian boxer Hunter Sam by unanimous decision. Sam, the former Australian champion, proved to be a difficult opponent and played tough throughout the fight. The bout was the main event of the Indian Motorcycle Fight Night organized by New Zealand boxing legend Shane Cameron.[26]

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
12 fights 12 wins 0 losses
By knockout 7 0
By decision 5 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
12 Win 12–0 Australia Hunter Sam UD 6 25 May 2017 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
11 Win 11–0 New Zealand Daniel Tai MD 10 18 Mar 2017 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Won vacant NZPBA heavyweight title
10 Win 10–0 United States Keith Barr TKO 3 (6), 2:36 25 Feb 2017 United States Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Argentina Pablo Matías Magrini KO 3 (8), 0:55 10 Dec 2016 New Zealand Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
8 Win 8–0 New Zealand Moe Hussain TKO 1 (4), 0:31 12 Nov 2016 New Zealand Auckland Netball Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
7 Win 7–0 New Zealand Junior Maletino Iakopo TKO 1 (6), 2:36 28 Oct 2016 New Zealand ASB Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
6 Win 6–0 American Samoa Alapati A'asa UD 6 1 Oct 2016 New Zealand Vodafone Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
5 Win 5–0 New Zealand Tussi Asafo KO 1 (4), 2:56 26 Aug 2016 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
4 Win 4–0 New Zealand Junior Pati UD 4 1 Jul 2016 New Zealand ASB Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
3 Win 3–0 New Zealand Jayson Aloese UD 4 16 Apr 2016 New Zealand Trusts Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
2 Win 2–0 New Zealand Clint Foai TKO 1 (4), 2:17 2 Apr 2016 New Zealand TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand
1 Win 1–0 New Zealand Richard Tutaki KO 1 (4), 0:48 13 Feb 2016 New Zealand ASB Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Professional debut

Honors and awards

Amateur

Professional

References

  1. ↑ "2008 Oceania Olympic Qualifiers" (PDF). Boxing Australia. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
  2. ↑ "2010 Oceania Championships, Canberra" (PDF). Boxing Australia. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  3. ↑ "2012 Oceania Olympic Qualifying Event, Canberra Australia" (PDF). Boxing Australia. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  4. ↑ "Nationals wrap up". Boxing New Zealand. Retrieved October 23, 2009.
  5. ↑ "New Zealand’s boxing past and its future – Tuna Scanlan and Joseph Parker". Pacific Scoop. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Night of champions". Boxing New Zealand. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  7. ↑ "It's do-or-die for heavyweight Joseph Parker". Stuff. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  8. ↑ "Olympic boxing hopes over for Joseph Parker". Stuff. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
  9. ↑ "Junior Fa plotting path to take on NZ boxing champion Joseph Parker". Stuff. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Uaine Fa Jr vs Richard Tutaki". Live Stream. 13 February 2016. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
  11. ↑ "Junior Fa added to Taranaki Explosion Fight Night card". Stuff. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Sam Rapira wins unanimous points decision over Samoan champion". Stuff. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Uaine Fa wins for the third time at royal rampage competition". Loop. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Gunnar Jackson loses NZ titles, Junior Fa remains unbeaten on Big Bash event". Stuff. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  15. ↑ "Junior Fa adds another knockout to his record". Boxing News. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Joseph Parker undercard - fight by fight". Stuff. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Results: Berridge wins grudge match". Boxing News 24. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Upset at the Big Bash". Scoop. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Joseph Parker TV pay-per-view price for Andy Ruiz fight revealed". Stuff. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Joseph Parker beats Andy Ruiz Jr to become first Kiwi WBO heavyweight champion, Jeff Horn defeats Ali Funeka". Fox Sports. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Junior Fa hoping for career breakout away from Parker's 'shadow' with major overseas deal". One News. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  22. ↑ "Kiwi boxing heavyweight Junior Fa to fight on Deontay Wilder's world title undercard". Stuff. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  23. ↑ "Junior Fa wins by 3rd round knockout". Matangi Tonga. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Junior Fa prepares for first title fight". Matangi Tonga. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Junior Fa claims vacant New Zealand heavyweight crown". World Boxing News. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Junior Fa wins 12th fight via decision". Matangi Tonga. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Finals Nationals 2009". Boxing New Zealand. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  28. ↑ "22010 Commonwealth Games, India" (PDF). Boxing Australia. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Sonny Bill Williams		 NZPBA heavyweight champion
18 March 2017 – present 		Incumbent
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