Trainer Kevin Barry is hailing the performance of his protégé, WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, as the greatest moment of his coaching career.
Parker won the title by majority decision over Mexican foe Andy Ruiz, and Barry couldn't contain his excitement.
"It's really special," he said. "It's the most special moment in my boxing career, to be here in NZ with Joe and to be a part of history is very special."
Parker's win has eradicated Barry's memories of former charge David Tua's devastating loss to Lennox Lewis in 2000.
The 1984 Olympic silver medallist wasn't surprised the fight was close, but felt Parker had the better of the key exchanges.
"It was exactly how I thought the fight would go. I told everybody this is a tougher fight than [Carlos] Takam.
"Andy Ruiz is a very skilful guy. Andy fought one hell of a battle but look at his face, Parker bashed him up.
"I knew the longer the fight went on the better it would be for Joe. And I knew Andy would have some moments in the early part of the fight and he did, but once Joe started to control the distance from the outside we were piling the points and we were keeping Andy off-balance."
Barry believes Parker made a statement he is ready for the next level of competition, and he made special mention of current IBF champion Anthony Joshua.
"Parker has done his four-year apprenticeship and now it's time to step up against the big buys.
"They will be impressed with Joe being WBO champion. Sheridan said it was the most exciting heavyweight fight in 10 years so hopefully it will be well known over there."
Parker's first defence of his newly won title is expected to take place by April 2017 against Hughie Fury, the cousin of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
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