The fight of his life

JOSEPH PARKER v ANDY RUIZ

‘‘Both guys are going to get hit with a lot of punches in this fight. This is heavyweight boxing.’’ Kevin Barry, trainer of Joseph Parker

Never before has so much intrigue enveloped a Joseph Parker fight. It’s a mystery befitting the occasion as the New Zealand heavyweight lines out against Mexican Andy Ruiz in Auckland tonight with the WBO belt up for grabs.

Parker’s trainer Kevin Barry summed it up perfectly when he said: ‘‘Joseph Parker has never fought an opponent like Andy Ruiz but I will add that Andy Ruiz has never fought an opponent like Joseph Parker either.’’

This is new territory in terms of opponent and the prize – a chance to grab one of the four genuine heavyweight belts and enter the big time where true fame and major money await.

It could be a case of who cracks first loses, as much as who can be the dominant force between two heavy hitters with contrasting styles but equal effectiveness. A small mistake could have huge consequences.

Common sense suggests a coolheaded Parker can box clever and see off Ruiz, using that noted jab to keep his opponent at distance and collect points, while also using it to set up the power shots he possesses.

But he will have to play matador to the charging bull. A relentless Ruiz will look to gore Parker from the inside.

Parker cannot afford to get into a brawl and must maximise his superior foot speed and movement to set up attacking angles.

Ruiz has a fast and strong right hand that will look to take advantage of Parker’s major defensive weakness, his sloppy left hand.

In a division where the onepunch danger lurks ever-present, the two fighters have contrasting finishing methods.

Parker is acknowledged as having the heavier hit while the busy Ruiz’s demolition job is more like an axeman, using repeated blows to lower his opponent.

Parker says his heaviest fight weight of 111.9kg has added power to his punches, Ruiz is adamant he has increased conditioning.

The bookies are backing Parker heavily, with a knockout the favoured decision. Ruiz is enjoying that sort of talk as much as the relentless questions on his weight, which he believes is a thing of the past. He feels his biggest edge is in his head and sheer desire.

Parker says he more than matches that in a situation where both boxers are looking to create history as their nation’s first heavyweight champions.

The trainers emphasise the mental battle, the ability of their fighters to get on top of their opponent with sheer willpower and get in a position to carry out the game plans. ‘‘This fight on paper is a very even matchup and it will come down to whose game plan will be stronger on the night and who can implement,’’ Barry said.

He suggested Parker would need to be prepared to feel unprecedented pain, to go to ‘‘dark places’’ as he did against Carlos Takam, and come out of the end of the tunnel.

‘‘We know that both guys are going to attempt to make each other very uncomfortable.

‘‘Both guys are going to get hit with a lot of punches in this fight. This is heavyweight boxing, this is two guys who like to come forward, who have two very fast hands and who like to use them.’’

History awaits in more ways – neither fighter has hit the canvas before, neither fighter has lost.

The stakes couldn’t be higher and new territory beckons in terms of delight and despair.