There were cheers, clapping, "oohs" and "ahhs" and a lot of support from Tauranga locals who watched Joseph Parker take on Joshua Anthony this morning.
More than 600 people packed into the Tauranga Citizens Club to catch a glimpse of the fight held in Cardiff.
The early birds scored seats in front of the many screens at the club while others were happy to perch on the floor or stand in doorways.
Tga Box gym owner Chris Walker had followed Parker's career since the beginning and said it was great to watch his "Cinderella story."