Deontay’s unsuccessful return to the ring
Former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) lost Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KO) from New Zealand as part of the boxing evening “Day of Reckoning” in Riyadh.
In the first rounds, the boxers studied each other, with Parker more often occupying the center of the ring and acting more confidently. Wilder was looking for an opportunity for a targeted strike.
In the 8th round, the boxers had a brilliant exchange of blows, from which Joseph emerged victorious. Deontay could only be saved by a knockout, but the American was unable to break through his opponent’s defense in the final rounds.
As a result, Parker won by unanimous decision – 118:111, 118:110, 120:108.
Wilder’s defeat casts doubt on the fight between the American and Anthony Joshua. It was reported that the boxers agreed to fight on March 9, but for the event to take place, they had to defeat their opponents on the “Day of Reckoning”. Deontay no longer coped with his task. Anthony will face Otto Wallin in the main event of the boxing evening in Saudi Arabia.
For Wilder, today’s fight was the first in more than a year. The American fought his previous fight in October 2022, knocking out Robert Helenius in the first round.
Parker fought his fourth fight in 2023. He previously defeated Jack Massey, Faiga Opela and Simon Keane.
Filip Hrgovic, Daniel Duuba, Frank Sanchez, Jay Opetaia, Agit Kabayel and Dmitry Bivol also won at the Day of Reckoning.
What a victory! 🤯@joeboxerparker beats the Bronze Bomber 👏👏
📝 118-111, 118-110, 120-108 — Parker UD#DayOfReckoning | DAZN PPV & TNT Sports Box Office | #WilderParker pic.twitter.com/qnSN6uqB26
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 23, 2023
Source: Sportarena
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