Joseph Parker has lost fights before... but never like that. Joe Joyce was always going to be a tough opponent, an undefeated prospect with a powerful amateur record and a distinct size advantage in the bout. Joyce was also somewhat of an unknown prospect
Despite Blackcaps softness seeping into Test and ODI mahi, the T20 World Cup presents Aotearoa with an opportunity to rebuild their mana.
Despite stormy weather in the Caribbean, Aotearoa's White Ferns are set to face West Indies for three ODIs and five T20I games over the next few weeks.
The losing record against Australia in ODIs is cute and maybe Aotearoa is scared of the Aussie cricket team, but Blackcaps softness is a far greater trend than being swept by Australia.
Aotearoa continue to wiggle through their cricketing schedule with an excursion to Cairns where they will play three ODIs against Australia.
While on the outside of Aotearoa's limited overs 1st 11 teams, Will Young has been busy scoring runs and leading Northamptonshire in England.
Tim Southee's Blackcaps mana is palpable and with his long time seam bowling partner opting to kick back, Southee enters an intriguing phase of his career.
Aotearoa's Blackcaps wrapped up their winter wandering in the Caribbean with an impressive victory over West Indies in a series decider, finishing 6-1 in ODIs and 9-1 in T20Is.
Aotearoa has a habit of sleeping on greatness and Suzie Bates' excellence not only deserves attention, she is also playing a key leadership role in wahine cricket.
Aotearoa's low key seamer Matt Henry was forced out of the ODI series vs West Indies via injury after Henry only played three ODIs against Ireland.
When Devon Conway came to the fabulous land of Aotearoa, many folks spotted a talented batter but they probably didn't forecast how Conway would then finesse international cricket.
Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi are key figures for Aotearoa's T20I outfit, forming one of the best spin-tandems in world cricket.
Nothing whips up a weird frenzy quite like Blackcaps/White Ferns contracts and after dabbling in contract mayhem, Trent Boult said hold my beer.
Throughout niggly White Ferns woes, Aotearoa's wahine cricket team were always good at T20I cricket and their bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games reflects White Ferns T20I prowess.
For a bloke that is among Aotearoa's fastest bowlers, Ben Sears is currently creeping under the radar.
When Jimmy Neesham dipped out of NZC's contracted Blackcaps pool earlier this year it caused a wee kerfuffle as Aotearoa's journalists whipped up terms such as 'axed' and this was even described as 'some fall for the 31-year-old'.
Two games into the T20I Games and Aotearoa's White Ferns have banked two wins without much fuss.
As Blackcaps roll through European opponents, Michael Bracewell continues to build his case for T20 World Cup selection and perhaps a spot in the 1st 11.
Wellington Firebirds continue to be a fascinating pocket of Aotearoa sport as their development system is sizzling, while also trying to win cricket games.
Aotearoa White Ferns start a new era at the Commonwealth Games and after being led down a more dramatic path than recent All Blacks shenanigans in ODI cricket, T20I cricket provides greater comfort.