Parker wins world title — or one of them

Sorry to rain on his parade after what looked like a hugely entertaining night at Auckland's Vector Arena, and a close-fought fight.

But I'm searching in vain to find any mention of Joseph Parker's world title win in US media.

That probably comes down to the fact the World Boxing Organization is just one of a number of groups that claim to govern the sport.

As Sir Bob Jones wrote for NBR on October 28, the huge amount of money to made from boxing has attracted many self-appointed bodies:

By the advent of the 21st century there were 12 and collectively, where once there were eight household names world champions for the eight weight divisions, now 166 boxers claimed to be world champions, as formally recognised by these ratbag outfits. Some have since fallen by the wayside but today there’s the World Boxing Association (WBA), the World Boxing Council (WBC), the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the International Boxing Union (IBU), the international Boxing Organisation (IBO,) the International Boxing Association and the Global Boxing Union (GBU), all purporting to administer the sport.

And then of course there's the WBO, which sanctioned last night's bout.

Sir Bob had respect for both Parker and his opponent last night. He just didn't buy the context.

"The Ruiz fight is good for Joseph as the Mexican is a hardy fellow but for God’s sake, cut this world title crap," he wrote.

It's a farcical situation, like having seven different Olympics run by seven different organisations, according to Sir Bob.

His column is required reading for true boxing fans. Check it out here.

POSTSCRIPT

On Friday, Sky TV announced it had won damages against six people for illegally streaming previous Parker fights.

Sky and fight organiser Duco sought nominal damages only, but said they would seek more if offending continued.

Last night, it did. Sky communications director Kirsty Way says a combined Sky-Duco team, working with Facebook, identified and shut down "more than 100" illegal streams. 

There will be legal follow-up today, Ms Way says.