Junior Fa signs 3 year-deal with Lou DiBella [1]
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - 17:58. Updated on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 - 21:29.
Junior Fa's journey to become the first Tongan world champion has reached a crucial point after signing a 3-year-contract with one of boxing's biggest promoters Lou DiBella.
DiBella announced the signing three days ago, stating ""The physically imposing Junior Fa has the size and skills to make an impact in an era of heavyweight giants".
The 3-year-deal propels Fa's career forward, facilitating fights for him outside of New Zealand. Junior Fa will make his U.S debut in Alabama this month 25 February against American fighter Keith Barr (17 wins, 10 losses).
Junior Fa stated, "I would like to thank Lou DiBella for giving me this opportunity to showcase my talent and love for boxing - Lou has given me a stage to perform on to show the world what I can do. I will train hard, prove myself and not let Lou down."
Since his professional debut in February last year Junior Fa has moved quickly up the boxing ladder and in less than a year has already accummulated a record of nine fights (all wins with 6 knockouts).
The 27-year-old Junior Fa stands 6'5 tall and averages 120 kgs (270 pounds). Apart from his shear size, Fa stands out among New Zealand fighters because of his impressive amatuer boxing career which includes two wins over Joseph Parker and a Commonwealth Bronze medal.
DiBella stated, "His power and amateur pedigree, including two wins over Joseph Parker, have put him on the map in the Asia Pacific region; he now looks to make his mark on the US and the boxing world."
DiBella currently contracts big names such as Deontay Wilder (WBC Heavyweight Campion).
Junior Fa's manager Mark Keddell stated, "It's great to be able to work with and learn from one of boxing's top promoters like Lou DiBella - Junior comes from a long line of New Zealand heavyweights and looks to continue in the tradition of David Tua and Joseph Parker."
Uaine Fa Junior was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. He represented Tonga as an amatuer boxer, fighting under the Tongan Flag at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games. His father is from Ha'alaufuli in Vava’u while his mother is from Matangiake in Tongatapu. Junior Fa fights out of Papakura, Auckland.