Joseph Parker Goes Southpaw   5 Aug 2015

Fresh from his 15th straight win, Kiwi heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is heading back into the ring to help launch the much-anticipated movie Southpaw.

In a friendly match, the world number 8 boxing champion will take on local celebrities, including Hayley Holt of Crowd Goes Wild fame and popular comedian Guy Williams.

Joseph Parker and his team are in Auckland to support Roadshow Film Distributor’s release ofSouthpaw – the riveting story of legendary boxer Billy ‘The Great’ Hope as he fights his way to the top, only to find life falling apart around him.

Deputy Director of Marketing – Australia & New Zealand Amanda Allegos is thrilled to have Parker in Roadshow Film’s corner for the New Zealand theatrical release.

“We are very privileged to have the nation’s top boxing champion involved, especially so soon after his recent win,” says Allegos.

“Parker was the natural choice for us. Much like the film’s central character, he has come from humble beginnings to achieve great success in the boxing world, through sheer hard work and determination.”

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY), with screenwriter Kurt Sutter (SONS OF ANARCHY) and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams and 50 Cent, Southpaw is set for release in New Zealand August 20.

Parker’s management team say the exhibition event is an opportunity for Parker to showcase his skills, as well as engage with fans in a fun and personal environment.

Having recently returned from a training session with Mike Tyson in Las Vegas and not long out of a sparring camp with Vladimir Klitschko, the second-longest-reigning Heavyweight Champion of all time, Parker is in top form.

Boxing fans are expected to turn out in droves to watch the man touted as the future of world heavyweight boxing take on popular celebrities.

The public can catch the future world champ as he battles it out with well-known entertainers Monday 10 August between 12 and 2pm in Takutai Square, Britomart, Auckland .

Parker’s 15th professional win was his highest-ever ranked bout. He took on Australian Bowie Tupou in Invercargill, knocking him out in just 63 seconds

More about the film - Southpaw

From acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY) and screenwriters Kurt Sutter (“Sons of Anarchy”), SOUTHPAW tells the riveting story of Billy "The Great" Hope, reigning Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World (Academy Award® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal).

Billy Hope seemingly has it all with an impressive career, a beautiful and loving wife (Rachel McAdams), an adorable daughter (Oona Laurence) and a lavish lifestyle. When tragedy strikes and his lifelong manager and friend (Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson) leaves him behind, Hope hits rock bottom and turns to an unlikely saviour at a run-down local gym: Tick Willis (Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker), a retired fighter and trainer to the city's toughest amateur boxers. With his future riding on Tick's guidance and tenacity, Billy enters the hardest battle of his life as he struggles with redemption and to win back the trust of those he loves.

-ENDS-

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