Joseph Parker Stuns Deontay Wilder in Riyadh, Halts Joshua Showdown Plans
In a staggering upset at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Joseph Parker emerged victorious over Deontay Wilder, marking a major upset in a clash between former heavyweight champions. The judges scored the bout decisively in Parker’s favor with scores of 118-111, 118-110, and 120-108.
Wilder, initially the -700 favorite according to ESPN BET, had a slated match against Anthony Joshua on March 9 in Riyadh, pending both fighters’ victories. However, Parker’s skillful strategy shattered these plans, dealing a blow to the anticipated showdown.
Parker, ranked No. 8 in ESPN’s heavyweight rankings, employed a clever tactic of evading Wilder’s lethal right hand while showcasing his own power. Utilizing looping right-hand punches, Parker controlled the fight, leaving Wilder unable to unleash his trademark devastating blows. Wilder, acknowledging his timing was off, praised Parker’s performance, expressing no excuses for his defeat.
With uncertainty looming over Wilder’s future, following the spoiling of the Joshua bout, the American fighter’s path remains unclear. Wilder’s heavyweight reign ceased in 2020 after his rematch loss to Tyson Fury, which was followed by another defeat in their trilogy bout in 2021, named ESPN’s Fight of the Year.
For Parker, aged 31, this triumph marks a significant rebound after his loss to Joe Joyce in 2022. Despite acknowledging Wilder’s formidable right hand, Parker asserted dominance in landing the more impactful shots, notably a decisive overhand right in Round 8 that staggered Wilder.
Drawing from the experience of training with Fury, Parker credited his preparation for the victory. Post-fight, he confidently declared his resurgence in the division.
The upset victory not only alters the heavyweight landscape but also positions Joseph Parker for a potential resurgence in the division after this impressive win against one of the division’s most feared punchers.
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