If it went on decibels and recognition alone Parker won the pre-fight entrance (Ruiz Jr's march song was an awkward, though undoubtedly significant Mexican folk-rock number) but this punter thinks the South Aucklander needs a new number. Sure, Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" builds to a tub-thumping crescendo but it is actually a mournful, negative song about divorce and a cheating wife, and Parker has started suitably slowly in his two big fights to date to warrant ditching the song.
Round 1
From the opening bell the pattern for the fight becomes clear: Ruiz Jr will press forward, look to get under Parker's left jab and fight close range. He does this effectively in the opening three minutes. His counters to Parker's jabs are sharp.
Ruiz Jr 10-9
Round 2
More of the same. Parker still looking to establish the jab as the dominant weapon but at this early stage Ruiz Jr is countering quite comfortably and, as the aggressor and controller of the ring, probably shades this round too.
Ruiz Jr 10-9
Round 3
Stop me if you've heard this before... Ruiz Jr by now is not just burrowing under and through the jab, but probably under Parker's skin too. The fight plans of both camps are simple but even after just nine minutes, it seems likely this will go to the judges.
Ruiz Jr 10-9
Round 4
The Mexican's pressing is not quite as effective in this round but still it is difficult to call this one for Parker. What he did do better was establish a better gap. There's a real anxiety in the crowd as if they knew Ruiz Jr would be scrappy but they are now just realising how tough a nut he is.
Ruiz Jr 10-9
Round 5
Another round that is almost too close to call but Parker's now looking like he has more control of the ring and that jab is finding its target more. If there is a criticism, it is Parker is working on one speed.
Parker 10-9
Round 6
A little more toe-to-toe action in this which Ruiz Jr's camp were probably hoping for. Once that gap is established again, Parker seems to be comfortably picking the Mexican off.
Parker 10-9
Round 7
To these eyes, this was the round that firmly established Parker as the better fighter on the night. Again, it was all a bit one-paced but the double-jabs are starting to clearly mark Ruiz Jr's face. There is a measure of control now and not a hint of desperation.
Parker 10-9
Round 8
At one point they get into a power-punching exchange and initially it looks like Ruiz Jr gets the better of it. On replay, however, it is Parker who scores the harder, cleaner shots. Still, you suspect that the worst Ruiz Jr does here is earn a draw on the cards and possibly wins.
Ruiz Jr 10-9
Round 9
Parker lands a three-punch combination and that is the biggest intervention of a round that clearly goes to the Aucklander.
Parker 10-9
Round 10
Three rounds to go and it is still close enough to have everybody in the arena exhausted on a combination of nerves and alcohol. It is difficult to score this one way or the other, but Parker edges it for mine.
Parker 10-9
Round 11
The crowd finds it voice at the right time. Parker lifts and beats Ruiz Jr. There is a sense that Parker has done enough and just needs to stay safe in the final round, but nobody knows for certain.
Parker 10-9
Final round
The hometown obviously wants Parker to win but there is clear admiration for Ruiz Jr, who keeps barrelling forward and pressing parker. He seems happier at the bell but you never read too much into that.
Parker 10-9
Herald score: Parker 115-113
Two of the judge's scored it 115-113 in Parker's favour, the other judge scored it a draw.
The blue corner won, the crowd went home happy and in many cases more than slightly intoxicated.
