Eight individuals could possibly face fines of over $2500 each for illegally live-streaming Parker's fight in July against Solomon Haumono on Facebook. So I hit the streets of South Auckland to find out what Parker's grassroots supporters had to say.
Ōtara, South Auckland is the home of Joseph Parker himself and his biggest fan base. For many, they'll be watching the cheapest way, at their local pub.
Viewers must pay $39.95 to watch the Parker fight via live stream or on SKY TV. Residents here say costs to watch the fight via live stream are expensive and should be reduced to either $20 or $30.
“Money is a big barrier. If you can’t pay for Sky or you can’t pay a ticket to go to the fight so yeah it is. It is probably the biggest barrier for South Auckland because they’re all his main support group all out this way,” says Bardy Reweti (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Rēhia)
Illegal live-streaming of the Parker vs Haumono fight off Facebook drew over 20,000 illegal views. SKY TV and Duco Events have promised the consequences will be even heftier if people ignore their warning a second time.