Auckland funding U-turn leaves Joseph Parker's world title fight on the ropesPHOTOSPORT The training goes on while the waiting goes on for New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker to find the venue for his WBO title fight. Hopes to stage Joseph Parker's world title fight in New Zealand are on the ropes again after another major financial blow. Duco co-owner Dean Lonergan said the necessary finances for an Auckland fight, which will see Parker fight Mexican Andy Ruiz for the WBO belt, had been secured until the bombshell arrived on Thursday evening. Ateed confirmed on Friday there would be no funding for the world title fight with boss Brett O'Riley issuing a statement, saying: "Ateed, on behalf of Auckland Council, will not be making a financial contribution to the world title fight which is expected to be in Auckland in December." Since 2011, Ateed-sponsored major events have contributed $247m to the regional economy, including 1.548m visitor nights.

Source: Stuff November 04, 2016 16:01 UTC