Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz

By Ben Viall

Joseph Parker vs Andy Ruiz

Joseph Parker proved as good as his word as he became the first New Zealand-born heavyweight world boxing champion. An impressive Parker battled hard over the back end of the fight to beat Mexico's Andy Ruiz in Auckland on Saturday night to win the vacant WBO belt by majority points decision.

The judges scored the 12-round bout 114-114, 115-113, 115-113 – a reflection of how close it was.