Boxing: WBO world heavyweight title belt in Rotorua

The Rotorua public can get their hands on the WBO world heavyweight title belt before New Zealand's Joseph Parker has even stepped into the ring to challenge for it. Photo/supplied.

Rotorua locals will have their chance to get their hands on the prestigious WBO world heavyweight title belt before New Zealand's Joseph Parker has even stepped into the ring to challenge for it.

On December 10 the eyes of the world will focus on New Zealand when Parker laces up his gloves to take on Andy Ruiz Junior for one of the world's top sporting prizes.

But the Rotorua public have the opportunity to get their hands on the glittering belt when it comes to the area on Tuesday as part of Duco Events Promotions' nationwide WBO world heavyweight title belt tour.

The Rotorua public can get their hands on the WBO World Heavyweight Title belt before New Zealand's Joseph Parker has even stepped into the ring to challenge for it. Photo/supplied.

Duco Promotions media liaison Greg McCalman said it would be an "extremely rare opportunity" to get hold of one of the most prestigious prizes in sport - with the division producing legends such as Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Mike Tyson and Wladimir Klitschko.

"It's a great chance for the Rotorua public to get their hands on the biggest prize in sport," he said.

"This is so rare for this country - who knows when we will host something like this again so we hope people will make the most of this opportunity.

"Also this tour is about getting the country behind Joe. So it would be great for people to come out and send their messages of support to him."

Parker aims to add his name to this legendary list when he faces off against Ruiz Junior at Auckland's Vector Arena.

New Zealand will be hosting the WBO world heavyweight title bout for the first time in its history. The country has not had an event of this magnitude for a long time, with the fight billed as the most sought-after sporting event of 2016.

2016 Duco Events Promotions nation wide WBO World Heavyweight Title belt tour:

Rotorua: Tuesday 22 November

Where: Burger King, Fenton Street.

Time: 4pm-5pm.

*Photographs allowed.