Joseph Parker shocked former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night time to place doubtful a long-awaited big-money battle in opposition to Anthony Joshua in 2024.
Boxing pundits had predicted that Wilder, a 38-year-old American boxer would steal the present in Riyadh, however the 31-year-old underrated New Zealand boxer, additionally a former world champion pulled a giant shock and gained the bout in a unanimous choice after the three judges scored him judges 118-111, 118-110 and 120-108.
Victory for Parker lifted the previous WBO champion again into the world rating, changing into the second boxer after Tyson Fury to beat Wilder.
In his post-fight interview, Wilder admitted falling in need of what was anticipated of him and shortly accepted the defeat.
“My timing was off a bit of bit, massive as much as Joseph as he did an incredible job avoiding all of my punches. We make no excuses tonight,” Wilder mentioned.
When requested if the discuss of a Joshua battle was a distraction, Wilder mentioned: “A little bit bit, loads of speak about loads of various things. I’m a contented fighter. I’m a warrior, I’ll be again quickly. And if not, it’s been an enjoyment and a pleasure.”
However the American boxer vowed to return to the ring quickly.
“I’m a warrior, I’ll be again quickly. If not, then I recognize the love and help everybody has given me over time. Life is about falling and getting again up, it’s essential to get again up.
“We’re not going to base it off inactivity, we transfer onto the following and reside to see one other day. I attempted to remain calm, throw jabs and arrange my proper hand. I felt like I had the higher hand however this stuff occur.”
The bout was meant to clear the trail for the Joshua vs Wilder bout in 2024, a battle that has been on the road for six years.
