The Samoa government says a change in opponent has not affected their support for Joseph Parker's upcoming bout.
The Samoa government last month agreed to pay Parker's promoters, Duco Events, US$100,000 to support his WBO title defence against Hughie Fury.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi told the Samoa Observer it was the same amount they contributed towards December's successful world title fight against Andy Ruiz.
Razvan Cojanu (L) and Joseph Parker face off during a press conference ahead of the WBO world heavyweight championship boxing title fight scheduled for May 6. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Parker will now fight Romanian Razvan Cojanu on Saturday after Fury pulled out, citing a back injury, but Samoa's Sports Minister, Loau Keneti Sio, said the cabinet's commitment still stands.
"We haven't met again and had a decision on that but I'm in a position that we still remain with the decision that we had to support him in a way," he said.
"Even though the opponent has been changed that doesn't mean we're going to back off from there because even though his opponent has been changed he needs to fight so we need to support him."
Samoa's Sports Minister, Loau Keneti Sio. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Last year the Samoa Government declared a half day public service holiday to recognise Parker's world title win and in February he was awarded an Order of Merit.
Loau said Parker's success is a "once in a million" event and it's important to celebrate it and give support.
"If he doesn't go through with this fight so you won't be continuing in a way because he also has limited resources," he said.
"But we can see that he has got a big future and not only that but he will have the exposure and will carry the flag for Samoa in a way.
"So we are looking into that financially that we need to support him at the moment."
Loau said with the fight being moved from central Auckland to the Manakau Events Centre hopefully more members of the Samoan community will be able to attend and show their support in person.
Joseph Parker arrives at Leauvaa Village with the WBO belt in December. Photo: RNZI/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
