Malik Scott on Wilder’s defeat: Losing to Joseph Parker is not a shame

Malik Scottcoach of ex-world heavyweight champion Deontay Wildercommented on the defeat of his boxer Joseph Parker at the “Day of Reckoning” boxing evening in Riyadh.

“Bad night. First of all, Joseph Parker and Andy Lee, they had a damn good game plan. Joseph Parker’s chin did not rise above his forehead, he moved heavily a couple of times and I thought Deontay would be able to attack successfully.”

“He had a game plan and he stuck to it. The best person wins, congratulations Joseph Parker. I have only sincere love and respect for him. He is one of the best heavyweights in the world. So it’s not a shame to lose to Joseph Parker.”

“We had a terrible night. There are a few things Wilder could have done more that he could have done right. [Были] moments when nothing happened in the fight, and that was good for Parker, but not good for Deontay.”

Let us remember that in one of the two main fights of the “Day of Reckoning” boxing evening in Riyadh on the night of December 23-24, 38-year-old American Wilder lost to 31-year-old New Zealander Parker by unanimous decision. After the defeat, Wilder hinted at his possible retirement from boxing.

This was Wilder’s first fight in more than a year. The American fought his previous fight in October 2022, knocking out Robert Helenius in the first round.

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 did not cope with his task, but Joshua confidently dealt with Otto Wallin.