12.08pm - What a fight, what an evening, that was just incredible, from both camps. $2 whoppers baby
12.07pm - That fight was absolutely ridiculous. A credit to both camps and you have to take your hat off to Andy Ruiz who took it to Joseph Parker every step of the way.
12.06pm - Wooooooooooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Joseph Parker is the WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World. For the first time, New Zealand has a heavyweight boxing world champion
MAIN EVENT - Joseph Parker (NZ, Samoa) v Andy Ruiz (Mex, USA)
12.02pm - JOSEPH PARKER IS THE WBO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD
12.01pm - Stay tuned folks - a draw is not out of the question and if it's a draw, we're doing this again...
Round twelve - One more to go and it's too tight to call. What a fight this has been. Parker getting on the front foot and ties him up. Parker better get going because there's not long to go. Parker lands a huge blow and he's on the brink here. Ruiz is really tired and Parker can put the result to bed. Parker looks gassed and I'm not sure there's much left in either tank. Parker lands a right and another and it's all over.
Round eleven - Parker can land the telling blow here but Ruiz takes the initiative and lands one. Ruiz is going back to Parker's body but Joe is pawwing at him easier. The chant of Parker goes up in the crowd but he looks a little bit slower and a bit more tired. Parker lands with the left left right but Ruiz is still on the front foot. Parker can't ease up because Ruiz is not going away. This round is far too close to call.
Round ten - Parker lands him with a right and he's looking better and lands an uppercut, and another. Ruiz is taking it but lands his own on Parker. Parker is attacking with his jab and it's pound for pound. Parker is looking the better fighter now and is taking a bit more of the initiative. Ruiz is tired and you can't blame him. But still Parker isn't yet landing a telling blow. Things have changed very quickly and the scores will be very close. Parker lands a left which opens up Ruiz and both fighters are going at it. What a fantastic few rounds to go. Parker round that one, even stevens
Round nine - Parker is going to have to open up a bit if he's going to sneak ahead. Ruiz continues to stalk Parker and Joseph can't make any ground. A big attempted uppercut from Parker gets his jab going. Parker gets some hits to Ruiz but can't land any substantial blows. Both players get close and land a few combos This is tight and Ruiz keeps coming. That round could be Parker. This is going all the way I feel
Round eight - This is a quality bout and Parker comes out smiling. Parker needs to use his jab and keep moving sideways. Ruiz is using his right stiff jab well and is moving forward with another big right hook. Parker needs to hit back and show some energy. Both fighters open up and Parker connects with a left right but Ruiz connected with Parker as well with a left and right combo. This is a very good fight and that was a tough round to score but Ruiz is still ahead.
Round seven - Parker looks a different fighter, honed, in rhythm. Ruiz isn't going away though but his right eye is puffing up a little, is certainly not taking a backward step. Parker is still being pushed back and can't get on the front foot. However he connects a nice left jab to Ruiz's chin. Both fighters are going at it and the tactics go out the window. Right left right left from both fighters but Parker needs to stay off the ropes. Another round to Parker there I think.
Round six - Big risks reap big rewards and Parker is going to have to risk it. Parker picks up a bit of rhythm and he's looking more dangerous. A left right left combination and he has a bit more control now. Parker's hand speed has picked up and Ruiz looks like he's tiring a little, not as quick. Parker lands a right hand beauty and he needs to keep it up. Both players land one up top and we're seeing them open up. Left hook by Parker and things have changed. Best round by Parker there.
Round five - Ruiz is dominating the inside and you feel this is slipping away from Parker very quickly. Ruiz is leading with the double right jab and it's hurting Parker. You feel that Parker needs a knock down this round. Both fighters are throwing combinations but Ruiz is reacting well to Parker's jab hook combo. Parker lands three hooks and there's the rhythm for Parker. He's found his range by the looks and now he's on the front foot. Round is Parker's there
Round four - Parker is missing the energy it seems and he's being dictated to. Parker hasn't connected at all with Ruiz. A definite left hand by Parker connected but Ruiz comes back with one of his own. Technically Ruiz has fought very well. Parker is falling into Ruiz's trap too often and is getting cornered. A bit of a skirmish between both fighters but Ruiz is still on top. A tough call that one but Ruiz is still on top
Round three - Ruiz is walking Parker around very well and Parker is too busy pawwing with his jab, it's not doing the damage he needs it to. Ruiz is connecting with Parker's body very well and taking his wind. A combination by Parker to the abdomen of Ruiz and that's better but he's not doing it enough. Parker hasn't yet found his range and that's another round to Ruiz. As soon as he shoots forward, Ruiz comes back with a combo of his own.
Round two - Ruiz is playing Parker well, keeping the centre and moving Parker to the ropes. Parker hitting a few body shots but not connecting with anything up top. Ruiz is trying to work Joseph's body with his left and it's getting him closer to Parker. A better round by Parker who is finding his timing and his rhythm. Andy connects a few shots with Parker up top and Joseph responds with a few combinations of his own. Not good signs for Parker who is being dictated to by Ruiz. He's walking Joseph around to the ropes and using his right hook very well.
Round one - Parker starts with the left jab but he needs to be careful of Ruiz's left as well. Ruiz has definitely come out swinging and Parker's left hook shoots into Ruiz's chin. Both fighters feeling each other out but Ruiz catches Parker with a right. A close first round and Ruiz is trying to get Parker to go to him instead of holding him off. First round goes to Andy as he's leading with the left and bring his right swiftly around often. A very good round by Ruiz who is leading with his left to a swift right left combo.
11.12pm - Both fighters are introduced to the crowd. We're ready to rock and roll.
11.10pm - 21-0 with 18 knockouts. Careers are built for this moment and Joseph Parker, holding both the Samoan and the New Zealand flag, kisses his mum and walks into the ring.
11.08pm - Such a tune that is. The crowd erupt as the drums get their moment. Not one person in the arena is sitting down
11.07pm - Can you feel it coming in the air tonight?
11.06pm - The drums start up and the crowd is absolutely alive.
11.03pm - Lieutenant Dan throws his cue cards everywhere and Ruiz is on his way into the arena. I'm sorry I don't know this Spanish tune but his first one was Boom by P.O.D.
11.02pm - Pleasantries exchanged, now it's time for history. I can feel it comin in the air tonight
10.58pm - Definitely a world record for the amount of anthems. I count two so far, two to go
10.55pm - National anthems to follow
10.50pm - Atmosphere is thick with expectation and excitement, lots of chattering.
10.48pm - I've just heard Joseph Parker called Jurassic Parker and I'm not quite sure how I feel about that nickname... Anyway, bring on the main event
10.45pm - It's hard not to be excited at this point of the evening. I will try my best to keep my bias to a minimum. Great to have you with us and please get in touch via our Facebook or Twitter on @NewshubSport.
10.42pm - To be fair the crowd could have been more supportive, I swear I could hear a butterfly fly past me during that crowd applause. Now... for the main event.
MAIN UNDERCARD BOUT - Jeff Horn (Aus) v Ali Funeka (RSA)
Conclusion - A remarkable knockout by Jeff Horn. He was the shorter of the fighters and gave away a reach of 10+cm but his tactics were spot on and he broke down the South African. He's stoked Bob Arum was there to watch him win in such an emphatic way. Keep an eye on this kid.
Round six - Horn hits Funeka with a right and he falls to the canvas and Funeka is back at home in South Africa during the count. Has no idea where he is and with that Horn concludes a dominant fight with a sixth round knock out. Right left right and it's a totally deserved win for the Aussie.
Round five - Horn's left jab is keeping Funeka at bay and he's attacking with his right hook, trying to attack Funeka's eye, so far it's been effective. When Funeka keeps him at bay, he looks better but Horn has so far broken him down. A series of rights from Horn brings Funeka to the canvas and his eye has sustained some serious damage. Funeka loses his balance at the end of the round and falls to the floor but it's not classed as a knock down.
Round four - Horn explodes out of the block and Funeka has complained to the ref about a head butt from the Aussie. The South African has a really big cut over his left eye and the timing of the fighters has changed slightly. Horn lands a few solid right hands in the final 30 seconds of the round and the Aussie has probably won this one again.
Round three - Horn's right hand is doing all the damage but Funeka has found a better way to keep him at distance in this third round. It's not often you see the short man out-jab the taller one and that's exactly what's happening. Funeka's left jab has been taken out of play so far and when he uses it, he's being exposed on the right. Woah Funeka gets him down with his right hook to Horn's abdomen just as the bell rings and that evens it up and suddenly everything's changed
Round two - Horn is playing this very well and he's starting to read Funeka, predicting what he's going to do. Horn is really ripping into Funeka's ribs and he's breaking the South African down already. The Aussie is taking it to his much taller opponent who can't keep him at bay with his jab. That's another round to Horn who has all the answers at the moment, particularly when it comes to Funeka's lead hand.
Round one - Let's get ready to rumble. The reach by Funeka over Horn is impressive. Horn tries to use his left jab to get into the much taller Funeka and he collects him with a few glancing blows. Funeka's range is impressive but Horn has used his fakes well enough to get into him. Horn doesn't want to get too close to Funeka's uppercut which he is almost collected by at the end of the round.
10.10pm - Jeff Horn coming out to a song that sounds like seven nation army though an EDM version of the song. Confirmation, it is seven nation army by the White Stripes...
10.07pm - Ali Funeka coming out to Bob Marley's Redemption song and what a song that is. Sounds lovely ringing around Vector Arena.
10.05pm - It's time for the main under card fight between Jeff Horn and Ali Funeka. My fingers are all warmed up, ready to type you through to the main event. Good to have you with us and get in touch on our Facebook or on Twitter @NewshubSport.
10.00pm - I am hearing the main event could be a little sooner than initially estimated. Will let you know as soon as I do.
9.55pm - Another knock down but the Ghanaian gets him down again and the ref calls it. A TKO for Dogboe. What a way to celebrate the Ghanaian election result.
9.52pm - It's Ghana v Argentina in this fight, both fighters hitting with some impressive ease but they're looking pretty gassed. Seven and a bit rounds in and we have a close knock out.
9.45pm - Have had to remove the coat, getting all hot and sweaty ahead of the big fight. Nervous for both fighters.
9.33pm - Seeing all these kiwi A-listers makes me almost feel like one. All excitedly shuffling into the arena. I'm hearing the main event is likely to kick off around 11.15-11.30pm but don't quote me on that.
9.31pm - Pretty much sums up the fight before. Like I said, hell for leather (image courtesy of Photosport)
9.23pm - Getting quite a good who's who list together tonight. Grant Fox, Beauden Barrett, Winston Peters, Frank Bunce, of course the Mad Butcher. Next fight about to get underway. There's some real excitement around, that kind of like clicking your fingers waiting impatiently excitement. Not too long to go now
9.12pm - Let us know where you're joining us from, Facebook or Twitter @NewshubSport. Keen to hear from you
9.10pm - Not sure about you but I can't wait to hear Parker walk out to 'in the air tonight'. It'll be absolutely electrifying. Check out the second episode of our exclusive breakdown of the Parker Ruiz fight.
9.03pm - Shannon 'shotgun' O'Connell takes the title. Well deserved too but halfway through it could have gone either way. To use an overused sporting cliche, both fighters left nothing in the tank.
8.58pm - Fight looks like it might be heading to the Aussie at the moment. And if my experience in Slacks Creek, Brisbane (which is where Shannon O'Connell is from) is anything to go by, they might be partying hard. A few good pubs down there.
8.52pm - Heading into the final few rounds, it's going to be tough to choose a winner, both fighters relentlessly pounding the body. By the way, if you have any questions or any musings, don't be afraid to tweet us @NewshubSport
8.45pm - Brutal, vicious, all the adjectives that mean tough apply to this fight. Both fighters countering, left right left right, going hell for leather.
8.36pm - Both the next fighters Shannon O'Connell and Laura Griffa are in lean mean form and they're not holding back in the first round. Both rocking the braided corn rows also.
Commentary of each round will commence at the main undercard fight. Until then, we'll update you at the end of each fight and if I see anything else interesting happening.
8.27pm - While things continue to roll on here at Vector Arena, until the next fight check out the first episode of our breakdown of the Parker Ruiz fight - Joseph's keys to victory
8.25pm - A pretty underwhelming finish to a pretty underwhelming Fa Magrini fight to be fair. A few shots to the Argentinian's abdomen and it was all over in the third round.
8.12pm - Glad I wore my coat because it feels like it's got five degrees colder in here. Lots of familiar faces smiling, chatting, having a beverage or two. Gotta love fight night.
8.05pm - Joseph Parker is ringside as his brother John takes a unanimous 40-36 points decision against McConville. Next up is Junior Fa v Pablo Magrini. More of New Zealand's A-listers begin to file into the main arena including homegrown Hollywood actor Cliff Curtis.
7.55pm - Things here at Vector are just starting to warm up. Joseph Parker's little bro John is currently in the ring taking on Ash McConville. Get an ice cold coke and take a nice warm seat because it's going to be some kind of night and we're going to be with you all the way.
7.30pm - Opening the night in the non-televised fight, Brown Buttabean won his fight against Che Barlow by technical knock-out before oddly announcing his retirement. The first unpredictable moment of the night.
Betting odds
Head to head: Parker $1.30 Ruiz $3.30 Draw $26.00
Method of victory KO/TKO: Parker $2.10 Ruiz $5.00
Method of victory Decision: Parker $2.80 Ruiz $8.00
Fight card
PRE BROADCAST BOUT: Brown Buttabean (AKL, NZ) v Che Barlow (WANGANUI, NZ) Heavyweight | 4 x 3 minute rounds
BOUT 1: John Parker (AKL, NZ) v Ash McConville (CHC, NZ) $1.05 v $8.00 Catchweight (94kg)| 4 x 3 minute rounds
BOUT 2: Junior Fa (AKL, NZ) v Pablo Magrini (ARG) $1.16 v $4.50 Heavyweight | 8 x 3 minute rounds
Isaac Dogboe (GHANA) v Julian Aristule (ARG) $1.35 v $4.75 Super Bantamweight | 10 x 3 minute rounds WBO Latin and International Super Bantamweight TitleMAIN UNDERCARD:Jeff Horn (AUS) v Ali Funeka (SA) $1.15 v $4.75Welterweight | 10 x 3 minute roundsWBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title
MAIN EVENT:Joseph Parker (NZ) v Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz (MEX) Heavyweight | 12 x 3 minute rounds WBO World Heavyweight Title
