When Dan Rafael's tweet regarding WBO confirmation of Joseph Parker vs David Ruiz dropped, I knew that it was a massive story. In fact, it's set to be the biggest sporting event to ever take place in New Zealand. Here are six reasons why:
1 It's a world heavyweight title
Yes, it's just the WBO belt. And those of a traditional ilk believe it's the poor relation of the WBC, WBA and IBF. But that certainly didn't bother Chris Eubank, Prince Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe (who finished his career unbeaten) and Wladimir Klitschko. Unfortunately, when the likes of Don King get their greasy paws on a sport, division is inevitable. Where's the profit in one world champion? We all pine for the days of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson holding the undisputed crown, but this is heavyweight boxing. Parker admittedly has his shot this early by accident, but you can't tell me that any fight fan is turning their nose up at the fact it's for the WBO - it's a title shot and that's all that matters.
2 It's an event with global clout
Richie McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup (Getty Images)
But surely the 2011 Rugby World Cup final is the greatest event in NZ history? Perhaps… but which sport has more global resonance? Across 16 weight divisions, there are currently more than 60 world champions representing around 20 countries. In terms of history, which sport has made more of an impact? Names such as Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Cassius Clay, Manny Pacquiao - boxing's list goes on. And how many teams can seriously win the RWC? Four, maybe five? I totally understand how important rugby is and how brilliant the All Blacks are. But a fight for a world heavyweight title, here in Auckland - you think that's ever going to happen again?
3 It sets JP up for greater things
The Winner of Parker vs Ruiz will most likely have to fight David Haye (Getty Images)
This is a massive shop window. Joseph will have a global audience. Whether there are three or four title fights during the same epic 24 hours (imagine that!), the exposure will be staggering. What if he knocks out Ruiz in the early rounds? Holding the WBO title means JP will have an almighty ace to play. If the newspaper rumours are true, David Haye fights the winner. That is real box-office. Haye may have lost to Klitschko five years ago, but is still considered one of the heaviest punchers in the division and would command a massive television audience. JP is moving into the realm of super-fight, so again, any criticism of this WBO belt is seriously off the mark.
4 It's a special occasion
I was fortunate enough to attend the destruction of Alexander Dimitrenko earlier this month and what an atmosphere it was. The anticipation is like nothing else. Of course, the walk-ins vary from the sublime to the ridiculous. British super-middleweight George Groves came in on a double-decker bus before being knocked spark out by Carl Froch … tickets please! Naseem Hamed descended on a magic carpet and was given a boxing lesson by Marco-Antonio Barrera. But this all adds to the theatre that only boxing can offer. We will all remember the song that Joseph Parker plays on his walk-in journey to destiny. The Exponents, anyone?
5 A Kiwi hero will have his moment in history
Lennox Lewis vs David Tua on November 11, 2000 in Las Vegas (Getty Images)
I wasn't living in New Zealand when Lennox Lewis fought David Tua in Las Vegas in 2000. But I was here for the Tua vs Shane Cameron showdown at Mystery Creek. What was it… the fight of the century? And that's why I can't understand anyone who does not see the significance of Parker vs Ruiz. Remember the hype around that Hamilton bout? Every bar in town was packed as Tua unleashed those vicious hooks to body and head, a brutal finish of a brave warrior. Well, your boy Joseph is going well beyond the Creek. And this is probably the last time he will perform on these shores, at least for a long while. Even if he wins the belt, Joseph, Dean (Lonergan) and Craig will be stacking up the air miles to defend it. If the fight is at Eden Park, the staff and management will be preparing for a uniquely massive sporting spectacle - surely 50,000 tickets could be sold. What about the global media - is there room in the press box?
6 Anything could happen
When Tyson Fury defeated Wladimir Klitschko, he did the sport a massive service. No longer was the giant Ukrainian able to control the division. And I'm sad at Fury's demise. Even Sonny Liston and Mike Tyson weren't subjected to the media vitriol the Gypsy Warrior endured. But opportunity is knocking - and Joseph must grab it. This is another level, not so much in terms of opponent as in terms of mentally dealing with this whole boxing circus. He is blessed to be coming from a country where humility and modesty are the norm (unless you're talking about the All Blacks). But the pressure and untold riches that lay ahead would affect the focus of any man. And when you're about to engage in the biggest night of New Zealand's sporting history, who knows what's gonna happen next?
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