The stars came out on the night
The stars came out last night to see boxing sensation Joseph Parker fulfil his destiny at Vector Arena.
The 24-year-old’s split-points win over Mexico’s Andy Ruiz jnr in Auckland saw him make his childhood dream of becoming world heavyweight champion come true, and also become the first Kiwi-born New Zealand boxer to hold the heavyweight crown.
Ten thousand fans packed into Vector Arena to witness history – including a host of Kiwi celebs and everyday sports fans.
The A-listers included outgoing PM John Key, his replacement Bill English, Judith Collins, Winston Peters and Samoan PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Victoria Cross winner and former SAS trooper Willie Apiata was looking resplendent in his No 1s, complete with his military medals.
And there was also a host of sporting VIPs, including rugby royalty Sir Graham Henry, Grant Fox, Jerome Kaino and Rico Gear. League was also represented by Warriors hero Manu Vatuvei and Sir Peter Leitch.
Hollywood was represented by Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis and Race Relations Commissioner and former squash world champion Dame Susan Devoy was also in attendance.
Around New Zealand hundreds of thousands of fans watched on as Parker and Ruiz battered each other with head shots and body blows for 12 absorbing rounds.
Pre-fight hopes that the hometown boy would knock over the Mexican never eventuated as Ruiz jnr took everything that Parker could throw at him.
And Parker too absorbed plenty of hefty punches from Ruiz jnr.
The night of boxing drama reached fever pitch after the bout, as the verdicts of the three judges were read out.
The first judge called the fight a draw – but then Vector Arena erupted in ovation and boxing fans hugged in the aisles as Parker was crowned the WBO’s new heavyweight champion.
Fight promoter Dean Lonergan told the Herald on Sunday of the huge pride he had in Duco Events securing rights to host the title bout in New Zealand.
He said the venue was just 120 short of being an official sell-out.
“This is a historic event for New Zealand it's a historic event for boxing, and also a historic event for our company — it's not every day you get to promote a heavyweight title and to do it on our home turf is really gratifying,” he said.