Joseph Parker beats Andy Ruiz on a majority decision in Auckland

Joseph Parker is the new WBO heavyweight champion of the world after winning a narrow points decision over Andy Ruiz in Auckland.

The previously unbeaten duo fought out 12 tense rounds and one of the judges scored the bout a 114-114 draw but New Zealander Parker triumphed 115-113 on the other two scorecards and secured the vacant belt.

Ruiz had the better of the fight early on and the Mexican appeared to be on top during the first half of the contest but Parker then settled into more of a groove over the remainder of the bout.

He failed to land a decisive blow but got through some eye-catching work and, although Ruiz continued to box in a canny fashion, Parker did just about enough to claim a historic victory and improve his career record to 22-0.

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The 24-year-old becomes the first New Zealand-born fighter ever to claim the world heavyweight title and big fights could be in his future against other leading lights in the division.

"New Zealand, thank you," said Parker after the fight.

"What a dream come true. Thank you to Andy Ruiz for coming down to put on a great fight. We both fought hard but, like I said at the beginning, I'm going to be champion of the world. Here I am."

Ruiz was the more aggressive fighter for much of the contest and felt the decision was contentious.

"I think I got the win, or at least it was a draw," he said. "But I came over here to fight in his hometown, so what can I say?

"I hope I can come back and we get the rematch."

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