It was, in essence, a low-key and uniquely Pacific Islands affair, and in Parker they have the quintessential Kiwi champion, a man who until Saturday had never raised both hands in celebration out of respect for his defeated opponent. He has been raised a humble individual, and despite having the world at his feet and earning about a million dollars for his victory - with plenty more riches to come - he appears determined to stay that way.
There was no wild party for Parker after the fight, and there isn't likely to be one tonight. Instead, he continues to take everything in. He doesn't want to miss anything, and in his eyes being a champion carries a responsibility.
After his 12-round epic he saw his month-old daughter Elizabeth and then went back to his downtown Auckland hotel room to reflect on his achievement in becoming the WBO heavyweight title holder only a little over four years after turning professional. He is the first New Zealand-born heavyweight champion and the first with such a strong affiliation with Samoa. He is also one of the youngest to win the heavyweight championship for the first time.
"I checked out the after-party and then went back to the room, had some time to myself and actually had a good rest," said Parker, who revealed he had 140 unread texts on his phone. "I woke up rested this morning and I feel good."
He looks and sounds good too, in contrast to Ruiz Jr, who immediately after the fight was marked all over his face and upper body and had a catch in his voice - possibly from where Parker caught him in the throat. Ruiz Jr's bloodshot eyes told their own story.
"Not a lot of injuries or marks," Parker said. "Maybe a little bruise here [on right side of face], but apart from that I think I've pulled up quite well.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet. I said to everyone before the fight and after the fight 'whatever happens, I'm going to take some time to myself. I'm not going to party like I used to do back in the day'. I feel like that was a great decision. I feel fresh today, I feel good, and it's great to see everyone here today celebrating and looking happy."
In only his 22nd professional fight, Parker had to be patient against Ruiz Jr, who many thought won the first three or four rounds. Crucially, he didn't panic, and used his superior height and reach to keep the Mexican at bay and finish over the top. After his early gains coming forward, Ruiz Jr's threat was expertly nullified by Parker.
"It's a very good learning experience. What Andy presented was a lot of danger, speed and power. He's probably the best fighter I've fought and he landed some good shots.
"I felt them, but then when I felt them I said 'now I'm going to try to give you one back'.
"I really felt that my right hand landed flush, but it just shows the hunger that he had coming into this fight; the drive. He wanted to win as badly as I did."
The naysayers, such as New Zealand Professional Boxing Association President Lance Revill, have been quick to condemn Parker's performance, as has become traditional among the tribal affiliations of the sport, but, again, Parker didn't have a bad word to say about those who felt he had lost. "I don't blame them, it was a very close fight. But deep down inside I know I won, I know that I did enough to get the victory."
