This story was originally appeared on TVNZ and is republished with permission

In a massive blow for New Zealand boxing fans, the highly anticipated match-up between Junior Fa and Joseph Parker has been put off until early next year.

1 NEWS
Kiwi heavyweight boxers Joseph Parker and Junior Fa. Source: 1 NEWS

Originally scheduled for December 12, the fight is now expected to take place in either late February or early March after Fa was forced to withdraw due to medical reasons.

An abnormality in a blood test has ruled Fa out of the bout, with the 31-year-old heavyweight requiring surgery as a result of the news.