Hundreds of Tauranga locals watch Joseph Parker fight

Hundreds of people watched Parker take on Joshua at the Tauranga Citizens Club. Photo/ George Novak

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.

Hundreds of people watched Parker take on Joshua at the Tauranga Citizens Club. Photo/ George Novak

Tga Box gym owner Chris Walker had followed Parker's career since the beginning and said it was great to watch his "Cinderella story."

"In the beginning, Joseph Parker was fighting in front of a crowd of 100 or so people, now he's in front of thousands, earning millions. He's set up for life."

Walker said the support from everyone watching was good for the sport on a local and national level.

Anthony Joshua v Joseph Parker. Photo/ Chris Fairweather / Huwevansagency /

Although Parker lost this morning's world heavyweight unification bout by unanimous decision, he is the first man to go the full 12 rounds with the Englishman.

"It went pretty much the way I expected," Walker said.

Tauranga Citizens Club manager Joanna Young said there was a large queue outside the front door of the club this morning.

"There are way more people here than I expected. The atmosphere is great," she said.