New Zealand heavyweight boxer Junior Fa will make his United States debut against American southpaw journeyman Keith Barr.
Fa's on the under card for Deontay Wilder's heavyweight title defence against Gerald Washington in Alabama on Sunday [NZT], having signed on with the WBC Champ's promoter.
The 27-year-old has come a long way since making his professional debut in February last year against Richard Tutaki. His trainer Mike Schofield has been a big reason for that, helping Fa work on his biomechanics which will hopefully reduce injuries later on in his career.
“A lot of injuries occur with restricted movement, so if we can pick up on some of these things before they happen we can train for longer and a little bit harder and hopefully knock some people out,” said Schofield.
Fa believes the extra training has helped him out significantly, not only feeling better but also in a superior physical shape.
“Sometimes in my warm-ups two years ago it would take me two rounds to get warmed up into the fight,” said Fa.
“These days I'm switched on as soon as I get into the ring.
“The people around me all say that I look physically stronger. I look like my shoulders are wider and from the back I look like a strong person.”
Fa’s fight against Barr will be a in a six-round contest.
The Kiwi is unbeaten in nine professional fights, while Barr has 17 wins and 10 losses since making his debut in 2009.
Newshub.