The royal family of Kiwi boxing are calling on Joseph Parker to end a 126-year drought in tonight's world heavyweight title showdown with Andy Ruiz Jr.
Parker can become just the second New Zealand-born boxer to ever wear a world title belt this evening - and the first since the 19th Century when bare-knuckle prize-fighter "Torpedo" Billy Murphy landed the featherweight championship of the world.
Murphy, a former Ponsonby tailor, made Kiwi sporting history in 1890 when he landed a knockout right hand to the jaw of Irishman Ike Weir in the 14th round of their clash in San Francisco.
And after years of waiting for his family's feat to be repeated, Murphy's great-nephew Dillon Kennedy is urging Parker to join "Torpedo" in the history books.
"A 126-year legacy will come into play when Joseph Parker steps into the ring," Kennedy said. "The family of Torpedo Billy Murphy are backing Joseph to end the drought for New Zealand-born boxers and win the world title.