The Samoan government has confirmed $144,000 to support Joseph Parker's WBO title defence against Hughie Fury in New Zealand.
Parker fights Fury in Auckland on May 6, his first defence of the coveted belt he won last December.
With Auckland City and the New Zealand government not interested in backing the fight, Parker's promoters Duco Events again sought financial support from Samoa.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegao confirmed to the Samoan Observer his cabinet had approved $144,000 for the fight, the same amount they invested in December's promotion where Parker beat Andy Riz on a Saomoan-themed evening at Vector Arena.
"There is no doubt that the whole country will be supporting him hundred per cent," Tuilaepa told the Samoan Observer.
"The reason why he wins is because we are all praying for him."
Tuilaepa also confirmed they had discussed hosting the title defense but decided against it, given the short lead-in to the fight.
"It's too soon. There are a lot of things we need to prepare for the fight, and we don't have enough time. But we did look at that possibility," he said.
Samoa will again benefit heavily with large exposure on the international broadcast of the Parker v Fury fight that will have a massive audience in Britain.
Auckland-born Parker has Samoan parents. He regularly holidays in Samoa and has had one professional fight there.
Samoa held a victory parade for Parker following his world title win and awarded him their Order of Merit.
Photo By: Photosport (New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker and his proud Samoan connections after winning the WBO title in Auckland).