A final press conference was held in Auckland, New Zealand, where undefeated heavyweights Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz went face to face before the upcoming fight, for the WBO vacant heavyweight world title this coming Saturday night.

Mexican Ruiz arrived in New Zealand on Sunday, expressing confidence his unorthodox methods can account for Kiwi hope Parker in the clash of two unbeaten fighters.

Standing about 1.82m, Ruiz is short by heavyweight standards but that hasn't stopped him leaving a trail of destruction through his ability to duck inside longer arms and unleash rapid-fire blows.

"All the sparring partners I've had and a lot of the fighters I've fought, they were always bigger than me, taller than me, longer reach, and I think that's where my comfort zone is at," he said.

"I like fighting taller guys who have longer reach, I like to get in and get out, and throw my combinations."

ruiz-parker-2Despite the aggressive approach, Ruiz has never been knocked down. He has no intention of changing that against Parker, who's won 18 of 21 fights by knockout.

The Kiwi has also never been on the canvas, but Ruiz wonders if his jaw has truly been tested. A training camp in California was designed to trim Ruiz down, but not at the expense of power.

"We didn't want to lose too much weight for this fight. We want to be strong and prepared," he said. "It's a life-or-death fight. I'm going to die trying to get that belt and God willing, on my side, we're going to get it."