After months of respectful build-up, the softly spoken South Aucklanders of Pasifika descent were set to resume their amateur rivalry for the first time as professionals.
The bout represented a crossroads moment for former WBO world champion Parker, now ranked third with the organisation.
Overcome fifth-ranked Fa, and the 29-year-old's dream of becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion remained very much alive.
Lose, and that door was shut - potentially for good.