Tuesday 8 November 2016 10:59, UK
Joseph Parker will have home advantage for his WBO heavyweight title fight with Andy Ruiz Jr after it was confirmed the bout will be staged in Auckland on December 10.
The big-hitting Kiwi was last month granted a fight with Ruiz Jr for the vacant belt and the first ever heavyweight title clash in New Zealand will be held at the city's Vector Arena.
Parker was the mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua's IBF title but switched his sights to the WBO version after it was vacated by Tyson Fury.
David Haye will be keeping a close eye on Parker-Ruiz as the WBO has ordered the winner to make his first title defence against the 36-year-old Londoner.
"We've been working on it for quite a while. We were always reasonably confident we would get it home," Dean Lonergan told Sky Sports. "We had to make sure our sponsors were on board and we're very happy with the way things have gone.
"It will be a momentous occasion just to have the fight here. We've never had a world heavyweight title fight here in the past.
"Joseph Parker takes everything in his stride and he's really excited about the opportunity. Joe would have fought anywhere, but will be pleased to come home."
Both fighters are yet to suffer a defeat, with Ruiz Jr holding a 29-0 record with 19 knockouts, while Parker is 21-0 with 18 knockouts.
Parker's fight with Ruiz Jr will take place on the same day as Joshua's IBF title defence at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
