An impressive Parker battled hard over the back end of the fight to beat Mexico’s Andy Ruiz Jr in Auckland 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.
A world class undercard also featured WBO #2 Jeff Horn vs Ali Funeka – with Horn taking the victory in front of Pacquio’s promoter Bob Arum.
Three-time world champion Shannon O’Connell faced Argentina’s top-ranked female Laura Griffa, adding the WBO Asia Pacific Super Bantamweight title to her silverware whilst the tough Ghanaian Isaac Dogboe pushed Julian Aristule to the limit to claim the WBO Latin and International Super Bantamweight Title.
THE CARD
Joseph Parker (NZ) [w] v Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz (MEX)
Heavyweight | 12 x 3 minute rounds
WBO World Heavyweight Title
Jeff Horn (AUS) [w] v Ali Funeka (SA)
Welterweight | 10 x 3 minute rounds
WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title
Isaac Dogboe (GHA) [w] v Julian Aristule (ARG)
Super Bantamweight | 10 x 3 minute rounds
WBO Latin and International Super Bantamweight Title
Shannon O’Connell (AUS) [w] v Laura Griffa (ARG)
Super Bantamweight |8 x 2 minute rounds
WBO Asia Pacific Super Bantamweight Title
Junior Fa (NZ) [w] v Pablo Magrini (ARG)
Heavyweight | 8 x 3 minute rounds
John Parker (AKL, NZ) [w] v Ash McConville (CHC, NZ)
Catchweight (94kg)| 4 x 3 minute rounds
Brown Buttabean (AKL, NZ) [w] v Che Barlow (WAN, NZ)
Heavyweight | 4 x 3 minute rounds