By David Finger

In what is already shaping up to be the biggest fight card in New Zealand’s history, undefeated heavyweight Andy Ruiz from Mexico and undefeated heavyweight Joseph Parker from New Zealand weighed in this morning at the Britomart Country Club in downtown Auckland New Zealand. Ruiz, who has weighed as much as 297 in his early career, weighed in at 255.7. Parker weighed in at 246.7.

Photo: David Finger

After the weigh in both fighters spoke briefly to the media before answering questions from press row.

“We did the hard work over there in Big Bear and now it’s time to have fun,” Andy Ruiz said after the weigh in. “Show the talent I really have and December 10th we’re going to win.”

Andy Ruiz, who was born in Mexicali and is hoping to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion in history, then took a moment to speak to the Mexican and Mexican-American fight fans back home in Spanish, promising to win the title on December 10th.

Parker was equally confident and relaxed.

“It just comes down to the training we’ve done,” Parker said as he stood next to Ruiz. Like Andy said we going to have some fun.”

Both fighters were polite and complimentary towards each other as well.

“We haven’t talked bad about each other,” Parker added. “Nothing bad to say but when we get in the ring you’ll see what it’s going to be about. We’re humble but we’re pretty ruthless in there.”

Before the fighters stepped off the stage they discussed what has become something of a side story for the fight: which of the two is the fastest heavyweight in the division.

“I think December 10th, tomorrow, the whole world is going to see who is the fastest and who’s the better fighter that day,” Andy Ruiz said of the question of speed. “I don’t want to say nothing until I get into the ring.”

“Tune in and you’ll see who is the fastest,” Parker added.

Photos: David Finger