Parker set to become a global brand if he pulls off a win

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker is set to become a global brand if he pulls off a win tonight.

Parker faces the biggest fight of his career when he takes on American‑Mexican Andy Ruiz for the WBO World Heavyweight title in Auckland.

Outside of the ring, Parker's promoters, Duco Events are teaming up with Ruiz's promoter, well known boxing‑guru Bob Arum, who has promoted boxers for more than 50 years.

Arum would help promote Parker in the lucrative US and European market.

Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz had their weight-in today.

Parker weighed 111kg while Ruiz weighed 116kg.

The two boxers also had an exchange of words at the weigh-in.

Meanwhile, Samoa is hoping for a knock out result from one of its favourite sons tonight.

Kiwi heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker's big fight against Andy Ruiz will screen into more than 100 countries around the world, with promoters Duco saying it has a potential TV reach of up to 100 million viewers.

The Samoan Government's decision to contribute about NZ$137,000 into the fight is widely considered a smart move by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

As a result, Prime Minister Malielegaoi will be given time in the ring, to make a speech as they expect a rise in their tourism industry following the world title fight.